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1988 GTA rear end clunk

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Old Apr 3, 2023 | 09:52 PM
  #1  
Okaywhatever's Avatar
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From: Ontario, Canada
Car: 1988 TransAm GTA, 1983 firebird SE
Engine: 350,305
Transmission: 700r4x2
Axle/Gears: 327
1988 GTA rear end clunk

Just recently noticed that my 88GTA has a clunk from the rear and when going over speed bumps or very large dips in road. Doesn’t seem to make the noise going over potholes, smaller/uneven dips in road, etc.

Previous owner installed tubular panhard bar and trailing arms. I checked all the bolts for those, and they seem tight. Not sure where else to look. Previous owner also removed rear sway bar for some reason.

usually only makes the noise when straight on hitting a speed bump at 20mph or so.


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Old Apr 4, 2023 | 06:16 AM
  #2  
TTOP350's Avatar
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Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: 1988 GTA rear end clunk

Looks like it has nice shocks and rear disc upgrade. (Needs the ebrake cables)
just have to bang on stuff w rubber deadblow hammer.

Exhaust (over axle area) , fuel tank, heat shields, spare tire ect

Last edited by TTOP350; Apr 4, 2023 at 06:19 AM.
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Old Apr 4, 2023 | 07:04 AM
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Car: 1983 Z28
Engine: 385 Fastburn
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: BorgWarner 9-bolt posi, 3.27 gears
Re: 1988 GTA rear end clunk

Check the torque arm bushing. That can make a nice clunk when it's loose, failing, or had the wrong one installed.
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Old Apr 4, 2023 | 08:15 AM
  #4  
Okaywhatever's Avatar
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From: Ontario, Canada
Car: 1988 TransAm GTA, 1983 firebird SE
Engine: 350,305
Transmission: 700r4x2
Axle/Gears: 327
Re: 1988 GTA rear end clunk

Originally Posted by RedLeader289
Check the torque arm bushing. That can make a nice clunk when it's loose, failing, or had the wrong one installed.
checked it too…sounds like right Rear to me. Maybe the exhaust is hitting
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Old Apr 4, 2023 | 08:44 AM
  #5  
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Re: 1988 GTA rear end clunk

Take a look at the top shock mount.
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Old Apr 4, 2023 | 01:23 PM
  #6  
Okaywhatever's Avatar
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From: Ontario, Canada
Car: 1988 TransAm GTA, 1983 firebird SE
Engine: 350,305
Transmission: 700r4x2
Axle/Gears: 327
Re: 1988 GTA rear end clunk

Originally Posted by sofakingdom
Take a look at the top shock mount.
for what? Just shitty bushing or loose?
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Old Apr 4, 2023 | 05:01 PM
  #7  
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Re: 1988 GTA rear end clunk

For the floor pan being punched out around it and it just kinda flopping around up there.

Pop the back seats out to get at it.
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Old Apr 4, 2023 | 06:05 PM
  #8  
Okaywhatever's Avatar
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From: Ontario, Canada
Car: 1988 TransAm GTA, 1983 firebird SE
Engine: 350,305
Transmission: 700r4x2
Axle/Gears: 327
Re: 1988 GTA rear end clunk

Originally Posted by sofakingdom
For the floor pan being punched out around it and it just kinda flopping around up there.

Pop the back seats out to get at it.


looks fine. That black crap is rubber
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Old Apr 4, 2023 | 06:24 PM
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Re: 1988 GTA rear end clunk

Yeah, probably not that.
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Old Apr 4, 2023 | 10:03 PM
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Re: 1988 GTA rear end clunk

I have this same exact problem. I have been thinking it was the exhaust. Curious to what you find out.
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Old Apr 5, 2023 | 07:29 AM
  #11  
Okaywhatever's Avatar
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From: Ontario, Canada
Car: 1988 TransAm GTA, 1983 firebird SE
Engine: 350,305
Transmission: 700r4x2
Axle/Gears: 327
Re: 1988 GTA rear end clunk

Originally Posted by goldandblue
I have this same exact problem. I have been thinking it was the exhaust. Curious to what you find out.

Ive had it on the 4 post hoist at work multiple times, I thought the exhaust was hitting in a couple places so I moved it. I’m gonna look again to make sure I’m not missing anything. Otherwise I think I’ll just ignore it.
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Old Apr 5, 2023 | 02:17 PM
  #12  
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Car: 1991 Z28
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:42 Auburn
Re: 1988 GTA rear end clunk

Originally Posted by Okaywhatever
Ive had it on the 4 post hoist at work multiple times, I thought the exhaust was hitting in a couple places so I moved it. I’m gonna look again to make sure I’m not missing anything. Otherwise I think I’ll just ignore it.
I see your sub-frame connectors are bolted in. Check those bolts while you are at it. I have heard that over time the hole drilled thru the frame can "whooler" and cause the connecter to move under pressure or when pressure is taken off.
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