Clunks, Slip Joint, & Other Fun Stuff

[tturse]

Hey All,

I did some searching and found a lot of good info but I was wondering if anyone has had similar issues: our 97 XLT SOHC with 65k is experiencing a clunking sound when you shift the auto trans into reverse from park or drive and also when you go from reverse into drive and then give it gas. Seems to maybe be the slip yolk/joint but my mechanic heard the noise and said something about needing to replace the u-joints and bearings and have the drive shaft balanced and said it would be about $400 or more!!! Does this sound right? Any help would be much appreciated.

Thomas
1997 XLT SOHC
Denver, CO

 

[Nate1]

What he is saying needs to be done sounds pretty accurate... although I'm not positive on the labor charges.... but it doesn't sound too bad. You may want to ask another shop what they would charge you for the same thing....

 

[410Fortune]

Yikes! greasing the slip yoke in the driveshaft should cost about $20.

The U joints should be fine at 65K miles, it is possible that they need to be replaced, but I doubt it.

I had a complete custom driveshaft built for my truck with brand new greaseable Spicer U joint and a CV joint for less than $300 total....

If you are going to pay $400 for that work bring it to me and I;ll do it!!!

 

[tturse]

That's what I figured...I know that I can get 2 U joints for about $20 bucks. Do you know any good shops in Denver? I'm not sure if his verbal price estimate was to rebuild the whole damn driveline but he did mention Rocky Mt. Driveline so I'm thinking it was something like that. Thanks for the info!

 

[410Fortune]

Talk to these guys and NOBODY else...

Front Ranger Driveline, INC.
285 and Federal roughly

303 783 9954
talk to Bill

Also if you just need to grease the slip yoke, do it yourself, its like a 15 minute job......

Does the CLUNK occur when you start to move or right when you shift?

 

[tturse]

The clunk is when you move- either forward or reverse, not when you shift. Also, how do you grease the slip yolk/joint?

 

[410Fortune]

Okay first you need to get the grease, the guys at Pep Boys, or Car Quest can help you here. It;s white lithium grease I believe but dont take my word for it. They sell it in a tube called "Driveshaft slip yoke grease"

basically you will get under the truck and locate the rear Drive shaft

ON the driveshaft you will see a rubber boot, this sucker is covering your slip yoke to keep water and dirt out.
The stock rubber boot is held on with two metal clamps.
You will need to cut these.

The BEST method is to remove the driveshaft from the truck, using a 12mm 12 point socket. MARK the driveshaft at the rear axle pinion so you can re-install it properly........(not backwards)

ONce the driveshaft is out its simple. clean off the old crap with crab cleaner, wipe it clean, apply lots of slip yoke grease, slip the driveshaft back together, re-install the boot using zip ties or hose clamps this time.
If you are careful you can re-use the factory metal clamps but they are a PITA..

Or you can bring it to me and for a 6 pack of Keystone I'll have you outta there in 15 minutes...........

 

[Mbrooks420]

clean off the old crap with crab cleaner

Do you know where I can get some high quality crab cleaner? ....

 

[Blee1099]

Originally posted by Mbrooks420
Do you know where I can get some high quality crab cleaner? ....

Ask any woman.. I'm sure they know about crab cleaner.

 

[410Fortune]

All I know is thank god for spell check....usually when I post it is fast and I really dont care about grammar and spelling as long as the point is made.

Crab is one of the better ones......................

 

[TPLYNCH]

Keep it simple.. Lube the slip yoke only. If the noise stops, you've saved yourself time and $380!

HEH EHE HEH HEH HEHH He said "crabs" Heh Heh heh