i think it's the drive axel but.....

[derickw]

i have a 99 escort with a manual transmission. well just about everytime i start off in first and now sometimes when i shift the front end makes a cluck! sound. i wanna say it's the drive axel but i dosen't make the distinctive clicking when i turn noise. i just wanted to see if any of you guys have run across that noise before i go an order a replacement

[KimMG]

Could also be something loose in the suspension.

[derickw]

it doesn't do it over bumps or anything like that i def. think it has to do with the drive tran. i'm just hoping it isn't the transaxel or the clutch assembly