U-Joints?

[EXPLORER04]

Whenever i shift the X into reverse i get a loud clunk and then it pops into reverse. Also i notice a clicking sound at low speeds. Is this a sign of worn u joints? thanks

 

[imp]

Whenever i shift the X into reverse i get a loud clunk and then it pops into reverse. Also i notice a clicking sound at low speeds. Is this a sign of worn u joints? thanks

It might be, given the reversal of direction of rotation. Clicking sounds are most often the result of bad C-V joints. You really cannot pinpoint a noise source when so many components are capable of making noise.

Get under the truck, push up and down on the ends of the driveshafts, looking for movement in the joints. Twist the shafts as though trying to turn them, looking for play in the joints. If the clunk is quite loud, AND it originates in a U-Jpoint, you should be able to pinoint it. Rarely does more than one fail at one time. imp

 

[EXPLORER04]

It looks like there was lube leaking from one of the joints. Is this normal or a sign of wear?

 

[imp]

Assuming the wet appearance is not due to leakage from elsewhere, my experience has been that with high-mileage U-Joints, especially Original Equipment, if they are making no noise, they will appear to be "dry". O.E. Ford joints have no grease fitting provision, and evidently are well-made and well-sealed. Once evidence of grease finding it's way OUT, there seems likelihood of water/contaminants finding their way IN. Replacement joints having "zerks" usually "throw" some lubricant around, but don't get me wrong: I like joints with grease fittings.

It has been argued that presence of cross-drilling and zerk position weakens the part. That's actually B.S. as "zerkless" joints are similarly cross-drilled, to allow distribution of lubricant to all 4 caps. imp