Weird clunk when engaging gear

[Frey7190]

So after I started using my explorer again as my daily driver im having some problems. Now that the S4 is being put for sale (looking to get a 08 xplorer eddie b) I am noticing problems with my transmission.. or so I think.

When parked, and I switch to R or D, it takes about a second and then THUNK it engages and I start to move in the direction I chose. Also while driving i've noticed 1st and 2nd are very rough when they switch up to a higher gear. Somehow the transfer isn't as smooth as I remember it to be.

My tranny was rebuilt like six years ago (25k ago) and so im hoping it doesn't mean im due for a new tranny.

The sound seems to come from the middle of the car where the tranny is located, so im most definitely sure its the A4LD.

HELP... Car is going to be my DD for a while it seems, since i dont really wanna drive the S4.

 

[Frey7190]

Bump

 

[arco777]

If these problems are mainly when the car hasn't been driven for a while, such as in the morning or after several hours sitting, they may be normal. Delayed engagement in reverse is typical of old tranny fluid/filter and old servos. It doesn't really hurt anything to my knowledge. A rough or delayed 1-2 shift is often a sticky governor. If the shift gets better after driving for a little while and then becomes initially rough again after the car sits for several hours, that's probably your issue. You can clean or replace the governor fairly easily by dropping the transfer case and reaching into the trans tail extension with a socket and extension. Search up these two issues and you should find lots of info on fixes. Below is a link to governor removal/replacement instructions with pics.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=155582

 

[BlakeOfDoom]

Possibly a u joint

here's what you do, crawl under your truck and move the driveshaft around. If there is a lot of freeplay, chances are you have a bad u joint. I was getting a wicked clunk when I shifted into reverse or drive. I also had a loud humming and the truck was a little hesitant for a while. My front U joint was so nasty that the shafts ate through the caps and was smacking against the yoke.