Tranny really "clunks" when put in R-D
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,017
Likes: 13
From: Troup, Texas
Car: 1989 Camaro IROC-Z
Engine: ZZZ# 0607 of 1200 produced
Transmission: Pro-Built 700R4/Vig.2400
Axle/Gears: 3.27 BW 9 Bolt PBR Disc
Tranny really "clunks" when put in R-D
Usually once the car is warm, it really clunks, and I mean BAM when I move it from Reverse to Drive or the opposite. I also experience a similar sound/feeling when the car is in 3rd gear and decelerating towards a stop. It clunks real bad as it downshifts automatically. Will not do this if its in 2nd, or in OD. What gives? Brand new trans, my car did this with the old tranny as wel though. New poly mounts all around. Motor mounts, trans mount, torque arm mount, the works. Like I said, I figured when the tranny went out and I swapped it with a pro-built, that this would go away. But it still persists and it is damn annoying. Any ideas? Also had the ds balanced and new u-joints were installed.
Will
Will
Senior Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 813
Likes: 1
From: Summerville, SC
Car: 91 RS Camaro
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Did you ever get this figured out? Check to see if you pulled the stud out of the poly tranny mount and see if the cross member that holds the tranny is tight if not.
Supreme Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,054
Likes: 1
From: Ajax, ON
Car: 85Z28 87GTA 91GTA 98SS
Engine: SBC, LS-x
Transmission: T-5, 700-R4, T-56
The wore out 700 I just replaced did that. The U joints were fine. Slipped lots when cold and a bit less when warm. It's perfect now with the newer one.
Some of the resedent tranny guys will know exactly what that is. I haven't rebuilt a 700 myself but when I get a bit of time I'm gonna give it a shot.
Some of the resedent tranny guys will know exactly what that is. I haven't rebuilt a 700 myself but when I get a bit of time I'm gonna give it a shot.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,017
Likes: 13
From: Troup, Texas
Car: 1989 Camaro IROC-Z
Engine: ZZZ# 0607 of 1200 produced
Transmission: Pro-Built 700R4/Vig.2400
Axle/Gears: 3.27 BW 9 Bolt PBR Disc
not really much help to me fellas. but thanks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,989
Likes: 0
From: Calgary, AB
Car: 1993 Nissan 240sx
Engine: Turbo KA24DE
Transmission: 5 spd
Axle/Gears: 4.08 VLSD
Er, mine does the exact same thing. What about N-D or N-R? Same thing? What's your idle in N and D?
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,017
Likes: 13
From: Troup, Texas
Car: 1989 Camaro IROC-Z
Engine: ZZZ# 0607 of 1200 produced
Transmission: Pro-Built 700R4/Vig.2400
Axle/Gears: 3.27 BW 9 Bolt PBR Disc
yeah same ****, idle does not change but maybe a 100 rpm if even that from n to gear, so its not like its going from 1500 down to 700 or something... what gives. this is really starting to **** me off
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,989
Likes: 0
From: Calgary, AB
Car: 1993 Nissan 240sx
Engine: Turbo KA24DE
Transmission: 5 spd
Axle/Gears: 4.08 VLSD
Sorry, what I wanted to know was what it's idling at when in gear and when in park. Like the rpm, not the difference in rpm.
My idle was pretty high, like 800, so it clunked real bad. Turned it down, and it got a lot better.
My idle was pretty high, like 800, so it clunked real bad. Turned it down, and it got a lot better.
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Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,017
Likes: 13
From: Troup, Texas
Car: 1989 Camaro IROC-Z
Engine: ZZZ# 0607 of 1200 produced
Transmission: Pro-Built 700R4/Vig.2400
Axle/Gears: 3.27 BW 9 Bolt PBR Disc
My idle is fine. It's almost as if there is a **** load of play between the trans and rearend somewhere. like when its engaged it moves or something. ****ing weird, I wish someone could point me in the right direction.
Will
Will
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,017
Likes: 13
From: Troup, Texas
Car: 1989 Camaro IROC-Z
Engine: ZZZ# 0607 of 1200 produced
Transmission: Pro-Built 700R4/Vig.2400
Axle/Gears: 3.27 BW 9 Bolt PBR Disc
Well after asking around the consensus seems to be that it is play in the diff. The rear end must be worn and the play is causing this flexing action. I might just throw in my old rearend as it is super tight and has no play. Figures!!!
Will
Will
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 972
Likes: 0
From: Memphis, Tn
Car: 92' RS
Engine: 357
Transmission: TH350
Axle/Gears: 4.10
Im having the same problem. When on jack stands and having a friend shift it for me while im under the car, it sounds like its defiantly coming from the rear end.
What could it be and how can i fix it without having to change or replace the gear?
What could it be and how can i fix it without having to change or replace the gear?
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 972
Likes: 0
From: Memphis, Tn
Car: 92' RS
Engine: 357
Transmission: TH350
Axle/Gears: 4.10
Ive beena really thinking it was the tranny but since i read this post its sounds just like you alls problem. Im just hoping it isnt the tranny?
Can pulling the diff. cover tell me if its the rear end or not for sure?
Can pulling the diff. cover tell me if its the rear end or not for sure?
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,017
Likes: 13
From: Troup, Texas
Car: 1989 Camaro IROC-Z
Engine: ZZZ# 0607 of 1200 produced
Transmission: Pro-Built 700R4/Vig.2400
Axle/Gears: 3.27 BW 9 Bolt PBR Disc
I thought it was the trans too, then the stocker blew out so I threw in a pro-built unit. Still did it. Replaced EVERY mount/bushing on the car with poly ones, still did it.
You should be able to tell by unbolting the driveshaft. If you grab the yoke where it meets the rearend and spin it by hand, you will most likely hear your noise. My original 2.77 rear makes no noise, so I am going to go through it anyway and beef it up a little. Hope that helps
Will
You should be able to tell by unbolting the driveshaft. If you grab the yoke where it meets the rearend and spin it by hand, you will most likely hear your noise. My original 2.77 rear makes no noise, so I am going to go through it anyway and beef it up a little. Hope that helps
Will
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 503
Likes: 0
From: New York City
Car: 1986 IROC
Engine: 355 Tpi
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 9 Bolt 3.27
I had the same issue with mine, was the rear end too. I went thru with new bearings, and reset the backlash. Lotsa work for a clunk, but it needed new stuff inside anyway.
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 428
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From: Buffalo, NY
Car: 1987 Camaro IROC-Z28
Engine: TPI 350ci L98
Transmission: T56 - Hurst Shifter
Axle/Gears: BW - 3.70
Mine does the same thing. Makes a clunk when shifting from r-d or d-r. It also makes the noise when the trans automatically downshift into 2nd when coming to a stop. I've suspected the rear-end might be the problem. Sounds like it is. My car only has 20,000 miles on it so maybe it's not that big of a deal. I don't think mine is as loud as yours though.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Car: 1985 Trans AM
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: AUTO.
?
So did anyone ever find out a good fix for this problem, my car also does the same thing, its 85 and has lots of miles on it. I was just going to post this problem,but I searched first,good for me right? lol...
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,017
Likes: 13
From: Troup, Texas
Car: 1989 Camaro IROC-Z
Engine: ZZZ# 0607 of 1200 produced
Transmission: Pro-Built 700R4/Vig.2400
Axle/Gears: 3.27 BW 9 Bolt PBR Disc
I guess the diff seems to be the unanimous culprit. Although I am not sold on that 100% just yet.
Will
Will
Supreme Member

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,786
Likes: 1
From: Paxton, MA
Car: 1987 Camaro Z28
Engine: 335 TPI Stroker
Transmission: Tremec TKO 500
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt / 3.42
Mine does the same too (as far as the OD or 3rd downshift) So i just put it in OD as i'm slowing down.
I think its because my 10 bolt is about to die
I think its because my 10 bolt is about to die
Junior Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Overland Park in the Great State of KANSAS
Car: 91 Z28
Engine: 468 ci
Transmission: thm 350
When you rebuild your rear ends, make sure you don't use a crush sleeve, use a solid spacer. Takes more time to set up but much stronger and your backlash will not change. Also you need to install a heavy duty back cover with the bolts that tighten up against the caps in the diff.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 813
Likes: 1
From: Summerville, SC
Car: 91 RS Camaro
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Originally posted by katman
When you rebuild your rear ends, make sure you don't use a crush sleeve, use a solid spacer. Takes more time to set up but much stronger and your backlash will not change. Also you need to install a heavy duty back cover with the bolts that tighten up against the caps in the diff.
When you rebuild your rear ends, make sure you don't use a crush sleeve, use a solid spacer. Takes more time to set up but much stronger and your backlash will not change. Also you need to install a heavy duty back cover with the bolts that tighten up against the caps in the diff.
Supreme Member

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,786
Likes: 1
From: Paxton, MA
Car: 1987 Camaro Z28
Engine: 335 TPI Stroker
Transmission: Tremec TKO 500
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt / 3.42
Originally posted by katman
When you rebuild your rear ends, make sure you don't use a crush sleeve, use a solid spacer. Takes more time to set up but much stronger and your backlash will not change. Also you need to install a heavy duty back cover with the bolts that tighten up against the caps in the diff.
When you rebuild your rear ends, make sure you don't use a crush sleeve, use a solid spacer. Takes more time to set up but much stronger and your backlash will not change. Also you need to install a heavy duty back cover with the bolts that tighten up against the caps in the diff.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 926
Likes: 1
From: CALI
Car: 85' Trans Am !best car ever!
Engine: 305tpi 215hp LB9 two bolt,
Transmission: th-700r4
Axle/Gears: stock (3.27)
Re: Tranny really "clunks" when put in R-D
WHen i go from park to drive, i get a tire chirp and a clunk. im pretty sure the tranny has a shift kit from past owner, but if my diff is loose, would it chirp the tires when shifted to drive? im assuming the rear calipers are seized. im ordering that GM REAR caliper REBUILD package..GM #18019028 hopefully thats helps the wheel from chirping. I changed out the tranny bushing, torque arm bushing, and rear sway bar bushing all with poly. i get a less clunk with the sway bushings, and tire chirp when shifting to 2nd while under hard accel. For a 305 TPI, 700r4, you recommend staying with 3.27 or doing 3.73. Im going to rebuild the rear end eventually and just planning ahead. thanks
Last edited by transam85dudeman; May 22, 2009 at 02:00 PM.
Member
iTrader: (4)
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: NE Texas
Car: 1986 Iroc, 89RS
Engine: 350 tpi, 350 tbi
Transmission: 700r4,700r4
Axle/Gears: 4.10,2.73
Re: Tranny really "clunks" when put in R-D
BUT; there is NOTHING sexier than a third-gen. Aint they cool?
Last edited by mreld3r; May 26, 2009 at 07:09 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 722
Likes: 0
From: SF bay area
Car: 86 Camaro iroc-z28
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Posi
Re: Tranny really "clunks" when put in R-D
i have the same problem, except, my torque arm is turn to ****, the tranny is brand new, as is its mount. and my rear calipers are seized. so i get no buck when i start it up first thing in the morning, but once the car warms up it hits pretty hard. but once i lower the idle and put new calipers in the back ill see if it changes
Re: Tranny really "clunks" when put in R-D
Im having this issue,and its getting worse...it use to be just a clunk upon a 1-2 up and 2-1 down,now its thats and a clunk engaging from n-d and espesially from d-r,i have alot of play in my trans and rear end none in the u joints,and at tme its feels like the drive train is of balence in some way causing a vibration..the tranny is less then a year old,I have a T/A cover on a 9 bolt 3.27 with 80k,all tubular pan hard suspention. please help thx! maybe its time for a 3.70 gear?
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,340
Likes: 2
From: Montreal, Canada
Car: 1986 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z28
Engine: TPI 310ci (LB9)
Transmission: Custom Rebuilt 700R4 - 2600 Stall
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt, 3.73 Eaton Limited-Slip
Re: Tranny really "clunks" when put in R-D
I have the same problem... I just rebuilt my tranny in hopes that it will fix the problem.. i have not tried out the car yet with the new tranny in yet but i will be sure to test it out... I suspected it was the tranny... if it's the rear end then i'll be pissed!
Re: Tranny really "clunks" when put in R-D
Yea,come to think of it,this other noise happins only AFTER I go in reverse while turning a bit(not during)then when moving forward at idle speed, it feels like a binding noise followed or combined with a pop,like "cunkcunk,pop".
so then you goose it to see if you can make it clunk,and nothing,its fine or sometimes feels out of balance, a slight vibration,and then of course the clunk on the 2-1 down shift.
Also has a vibration on take off sometimes,and I swear it throws my knock sensor off,and my car retards.it really pisses me off,i wana fix this.
sometimes itll give a perfect take off,with a nice firm shift and no clunk,but later in the day itll come back..
Only time it feels great and smooth,is usually above 60.
so then you goose it to see if you can make it clunk,and nothing,its fine or sometimes feels out of balance, a slight vibration,and then of course the clunk on the 2-1 down shift.
Also has a vibration on take off sometimes,and I swear it throws my knock sensor off,and my car retards.it really pisses me off,i wana fix this.
sometimes itll give a perfect take off,with a nice firm shift and no clunk,but later in the day itll come back..
Only time it feels great and smooth,is usually above 60.
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