Rear 'clunk' While Shifting Sometimes

[Vipermann]

Had my car up while changing rear wheels and checked the rear end play: Back-and-forth with wheel was about 1/4" at the brake, and looks about 1/16" of movement back-and-forth in the rear U-joint. Maybe explains the 'clunk'? Is that normal?

[Fatboy 18]

Think so, My Gen II has similar play I changed all my UJs and fitted Unitrax Half shafts but there is still that bit of flex in the line

[Late Apex]

This can be a common sound if shifting into a higher gear at too low of speed.

[Rizzo]

Double check the u joints. I had a clunking / clicking sound on my Gen 2 that we couldnt figure out. It ended up being a u joint and it blew at the top of a mountain pass. Was not a pleasant sound and made for a bad day, and expensive tow and an extra day of holidays..LOL.

[mjorgensen]

Had my car up while changing rear wheels and checked the rear end play: Back-and-forth with wheel was about 1/4" at the brake, and looks about 1/16" of movement back-and-forth in the rear U-joint. Maybe explains the 'clunk'? Is that normal?

Play at the ball joints or tie rods will clunk over bumps more noticeably than when shifting. Is this the same noise as if you drive slowly in first gear and get on and off the gas? If so could be normal backlash in the gear set, if that is not it get the car in the air and check the motor and transmission mounts. Is the car stock or does it have headers?

[Vipermann]

Car is totally stock. Definitely a sound from the drivetrain. Noticed it at quiet lower speeds while upshifting.


(What I wouldn't give for a set of 3.33s and a reason to switch the gears with a new Wavetrak in the rear. 3.33s made my Gen 3 feel like a slingshot. But too much $$ if only same gears and nothing is wrong back there.)

[mjorgensen]

Car is totally stock. Definitely a sound from the drivetrain. Noticed it at quiet lower speeds while upshifting.

What I wouldn't give for a set of 3.33s and a reason to switch the gears with a new Wavetrak in the rear.

All Vipers have some of this lash clunk, even if you had a new diff, gear and set up it could still have a little noise, but an upgrade would be the best way to be sure ;-)