04 dakota Quad Cab - Rearend Clunk when Shifting

[r82148v]

Hey all...

I just purchased my first dodge. 2004 dakota quad cab, 5 sp manual, 3.7 L.
with 28 k miles and I have to say I LOVE IT!

I'll just tell you guys bluntly.. Everytime I shift I get a clunk sound and feeling from underneith and under the back. If I easily, slow let off the clutch, there isnt a clunk BUT if I dont let the clutch out perfectly with the gas then the clunk is there.
Its louder , the quicker I let the clutch out..
Does this sound like a trans axle problem? Perhaps excessive play where the rear pumpkin and axle meet? Or is this perfectly normal..

I've have manuals before and never heard or felt this..

[dtl379]

Have your Universal Joints checked before your drive shaft falls off. I had the same issue with a 97 Sonoma.

[jdmccright]

I have nearly the same setup except with the 4.7L V8. I had it in the dealer's shop for that reason, along with others. They told me the driveline lash was normal. I'd say check to make sure all fluids are toppped off and good.

[wafrederick]

Problem with most oil change places is that they do not check fluid levels at all and I have seen it.I seen one Ford f150 with a Mazda 5 speed manual burned up beacuse an oil change place did not check it at all and had a cup of fluid in it.Had to replace the carrier bearings and gears in one Durango rear end,dealership did not check the rear end and burned the gears up,carrier bearings.It could be low on fluid and possibly burned up rear end.

[r82148v]

Thanks guys for the posts...

It only clunks in low gears.. Also if I don't release the clutch with the right amount of gas perfectly, it clunks. I almost cant get away from it..

I'll check the fluids in the rear like you guys are sayin and get back to you...

Thanks again!

[Benzman]

Sure sounds like a bad universal joint. I would check it ASAP. Can do a lot of damage if it comes apart.

[jdmccright]

If the truck had been used for frequent towing, then I would suspect the u-joint or ring gear wear. Using the truck for towing requires a heavier viscosity oil (75W-140) in the rear end. But normal use wouldn't cause u-joint failure after just 28k miles, unless the joint was defective. You should still be covered under the mfr powertrain warranty (7 yr/70k miles) if you paid to have it transferred...abt $150 at the dealer. I have a feeling that they'll tell you the same thing they told me, but at least the issue is documented and if something does crap out, you're covered.