T5 clunks when put into first gear - Transmissions and Drivetrain - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

paulmoore · 08-25-2008, 01:56 PM

Ok, this is just something that I have noticed lately. I have a 383 stroker with a WC T5 behind it. It is a recipe for danger I know, but I like to live on the edge lol! Anyway, in the beginning, I had a factory 4th gen rear end out of a 2002 camaro 3.42 open carrier and it drove just fine. Transmission shifted like a dream, no issues at all. Now, I have gotten a Currie 9 inch Ford rear end with 35 spline axles, Detroit Locker, 3.90 gears, and have some issues. There is a lot of noise, clunking specifically, from the rear end which is the locker doing it's thing, loading and unloading based on various conditons. However, there is 1 issue that I cannot discern. Let's say that I am coming to a stop light, so I put it in neutral and coast to the light. I am stopped now, with the clutch pedal out, and my foot on the brake. The light turns green, and traffic starts to move. I put my left foot on the clutch pedal, push it all the way down, and as soon as I put the shifter from N into first, there is a clunk that comes from the transmission. It never did that before, and I am not sure why. The only thing that I can think of is that the locker is still in the locked position the moment that the vehicle stopped, and when I go to put it in gear, it takes up some slack?? Not sure how tht would work though seeing as how the trans was put in N before it came to a stop. Maybe the synchros are going, I don't know. But like I said, before it didn't it, and now that the rear end is in, it does. Any thoughts or suggestions?? I'd like to hear 'em. Thanks!

WIll36 · 08-27-2008, 10:21 AM

I would say it's probably the syncros or another part of the tranny on it's way out. Even though the car isn't moving with the clutch pedal released the input shaft is spinning at engine RPM so when you push the clutch in and shift to first the syncro still has to get everything spinning together. That noise is probably there cause something is on its way out. With the stronger axle you probably transfer some more stress onto the T5. I would start saving for a T56 or a TKO 500/600. Last thing you want to do is blow the tranny apart and over rev the motor and have the car come home on a flatbed. Oh and looks like the car launches like an animal, what clutch are you using and how is your front end setup?