I have an 86 D-Ram and ever since I have had it there has been a wicked clunk when you throw it into reverse. It has probably been talked about on here before, but is this a big part of the noise? My U-Joints are pretty good, my trans dosn't had any issues (I hope). If it is has anyone out there fixed it before, and is even worth the time?

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Get out your aluminum magnets!

just something to check before you start looking at the rear end is leaf spring bushings, if they get some slop they will cause a clunk when going thru the gears

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All in a days work

I don't believe it would be the crush sleeve. I suppose excessive backlash could cause such a clunk but I would look elsewhere first. If it's excessive clearance somewhere in the rear axle then it won't be a cheap and easy fix.

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David Kight
'62 Valiant Signet, White
'98 Dodge Dakota
'06 Jeep Liberty

Growing older is unavoidable but growing up is strictly optional.

replace u-joints they are cheap/easy.....check frontof spring where they wrap around bushings...mine had tops broken off ....so did every set i had ....i bought new main leafs and built my own spring stack, can now haul a ton easy

keep on roddin'

Hmm, never would have though of looking at the leaf spring bushings, that is something I will have to look when I get back home. The U-joints are going to be replaced when I change out motors.
If the 8 1/4 ever does give me anymore problems I am most likely just going to find a replacement 9 1/4, I guess I will just live with the clunk for now.

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Get out your aluminum magnets!

Just for the heck of it, check to see if your pinion nut has loosened. This does happen sometimes.

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1979 W150 Shortbox
225, NP435, 9 1/4, Dana 44

The Good Life.