The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Driveline Noise

Its been about 6 weeks and 1500 miles since I got the new engine in the '51. So far everything has been great, but that changed last night. The trip home from work was fine, no troubles at all. I pulled up to the mail box like normal, but when I went to back the truck into the driveway I heard a klunk klunk sound and it felt like something was catching. I thought I had picked up something that was dragging, because the sound and feeling wasn't there when I pulled forward, but there was nothing there. So I tried it again. Klunk klunk and that catching feeling. :mad: It will move smoothly for a few feet then it klunks again. I haven't done anything to check it out yet, but I'm thinking its in the trans. What do you all think?

Here's the info on the truck. When I had the engine out, I also took the trans out and disassembled it. I checked the bearings, which were all OK. I installed new synchro rings for 2nd and 3rd, and a new gasket set when I reassembled it. I also installed a new u-joint. Now, I know it was dribbling oil from the "seal" at the back of the u-joint ball assembly, but not near enough to run it dry. As far as I know, the bushing in the torque tube is OK. I've never had problems with the rear end too full or anything like that. The trans also leaked from the front to a certain degree, but when I checked the oil a few weeks ago, it was fine (the oil tried to ooze out of the fill plug when I removed it).

All of that said, where do I start? Make sure I didn't run the trans dry? Or, do I start by pulling the trans and seeing what is going on inside. TIA for your help.

one thought: if the oil comes out the fill hole, the trans is overfilled, and the oil will expand when hot - overfilled trans is not a happy trans

Bill

Rear brake shoes dragging?

Bill-

I don't think its overfull. When I remove the plug, just a little tries to come out the bottom part of the hole, not a bunch.

52-

I guess its possible. I will definately check it, but I have my doubts. Too much of a solid metallic klunk.

Thanks for the ideas guys!

check the universal joint bolts on the front of the torque tube. i have seen them back out and catch like you described.

Could be in the rear end.

I agree with My53Chevy, Our 48 1/2T, column 3 speed, did just that, caught internally made lots of noise and prevented the truck to move freely. The problem.. U joint bolt lock washers failed allowing the bolts to back out of the joint union. Fix, new lock washer with tab, along with a (very)little red loctite.

Does the noise continue in reverse? If you find the lock tabs on the u-joint bolts have failed, or if you have none, be careful where you buy others. I bought a set of reproduction tabs and bolts. Sure as heck weren't Grade 5 so I checked one out with a torque wrench. It broke at 4 pounds! The tabs were thin and covered with surface rust. The holes were too big, the bolt head would have gone right thru. I scrapped the kit and searched for good used which took a while but I found them, thanks to some 'bolters on this site.

olblu-

Yes. It is cyclic and continued the whole time I backed the truck into the garage.

Thanks for the ideas guys. So, for those of you who have had this u-joint problem, did it cause any major damage to the u-joint or the ball? It may be a week or two before I look at it. I love driving the truck, but I've been working on it so much this spring all I want to do is drive it. I'm sick of working on it.

Thanks again!!