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Old 01-23-2015, 06:35 PM   #1
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clunk coming from drivetrain (rear end?)

Alright folks, I need your help!

For some time now, I would get a random, light clunk when starting from a start that happened very sporadically. I recently had to take my van to the body shop because of a vandalism incident and now, the clunk is very prominent on every other right turn. Its much louder now and only happens on right turns. The best way I can explain it is like a tension clunk coming from the rear. I can feel it on the floorboards when it happens.

I'm contemplating changing out my rear diff oil tomorrow morning, but I'm really not sure if that will cure my issue. I just checked the oil level and it seems pretty good. Is there anything else I should be checking?

Any input is appreciated.

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Old 01-23-2015, 06:47 PM   #2
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Re: clunk coming from drivetrain (rear end?)

try adding more of the additive to see if its just low? assuming you have a limited slip.
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Old 01-23-2015, 06:58 PM   #3
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Re: clunk coming from drivetrain (rear end?)

I do have a limited slip and was thinking I would just add some more fluid. Just wondering if there was anything else that I should be looking at as well.
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Old 01-23-2015, 08:56 PM   #4
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Re: clunk coming from drivetrain (rear end?)

It's not advised to add more fluid in your rear axle, it's gonna make a mess, the fluid getting out by the vent...

Have you checked upper and lower shock mounts? Also the shackles at the rear of the leaf springs? It's quite common for those to crack. Is the play between pinion and ring of the rear axle normal?
This is what I'm thinking to for now...
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Old 01-23-2015, 09:36 PM   #5
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Re: clunk coming from drivetrain (rear end?)

U-joints?
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Old 01-23-2015, 09:41 PM   #6
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Re: clunk coming from drivetrain (rear end?)

Is there a way to check if the u-joints are bad?
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Old 01-24-2015, 12:02 AM   #7
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Re: clunk coming from drivetrain (rear end?)

Chock the wheels
set the e-brake
put trans in neutral
crawl underneath your van
grab the drive shaft
slowly turn the drive shaft (back and forth in both directions), paying very careful attention to the u-joint. There should be no slack/slop in the u-joint. If it is really bad, you can hear it clunking when you change rotational direction on the drive shaft.
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Old 01-24-2015, 09:06 AM   #8
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Re: clunk coming from drivetrain (rear end?)

I'm talking about the additive that is added to the fluid so you dont get big knocks while turning and don't destroy the plates.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gooseberry
try adding more of the additive to see if its just low? assuming you have a limited slip.
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Old 01-24-2015, 09:17 AM   #9
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Re: clunk coming from drivetrain (rear end?)

Ford Friction Modifier - from the dealer!
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Old 01-24-2015, 10:19 AM   #10
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Re: clunk coming from drivetrain (rear end?)

Quote:
Originally Posted by BajaSportsmobile
Ford Friction Modifier - from the dealer!

Went and got two bottles of the friction modifier from the dealer. I also bought a fluid pump so I'll just pump put some oil and throw the modifier in. Hopefully this works!
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