Help - Clunking From Drive to Reverse

[Homerexplorer]

After I finished towing my boat yesterday I went to back up into the driveway and when I shifted from Drive to Reverse, there was a really bad clunk (a really bad bang). I climbed under the X as my wife shifted from Drive to Reverse and it looked like a transfer case issue. The universal joints didn't look bad. I started it up this morning and it was fine. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Kadahaf]

Take the drive shaft out, and grease it with white lithium. That's my take.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Maybe the truck was revving a little high, and you felt a hard engagement when putting it into gear.

 

[Homerexplorer]

It was idling normally when it occurred (several times). Like I said, it happened and I noticed it immediately - had my wife get in while I went under the car (risky, I know) and repeat the drive-to-reverse shift so that I could see what was going on. When it engaged, you could visibly see it torque the transfer case and driveshaft. It didn't do this when going from Reverse-to-Drive. I immediately checked the t-case fluid which was clean, not low or burnt. Could there be an issue with the transfer case? If so, any idea what it could be or how much? Thanks

 

[BrooklynBay]

Did you check the mounts when you were under there?

 

[Homerexplorer]

No, but I will tonight.

 

[Homerexplorer]

I checked the mounts and they are solid. I checked the universal joints and there doesn't appear to be any movement. I checked it again tonight and it is making the noise again, but not as severe as yesterday. Any other ideas?

 

[BrooklynBay]

I had a bad U joint in my van that was making all of those clicking noises, and squeeks. When I grabbed the driveshaft, and tried to turn it by hand, it was as tight as can be. I disconnected the U joint, and inspected the rollers inside of those metal caps. The rollers were broken, and missing in some areas. I replaced the U joint, and it solved the problem. Sometimes it may look, and feel OK, but will need to be disconnected to make sure that it is good. The moral of the story is that looks could be deceiving!