Patrick,
I would offer one additional potential source of the "clunk". In my case, the
clunk was a result of the four bolts which attach the transverse spring to the
differential being loose. This permitted an amount of lateral movement which
was
particularly noticeable when changing directions (forward/reverse). Behind the
bulkhead panel (from inside the car) you will find an access panel to check and
properly torque the four bolts.
Good luck,
Ed Hamilton
Joe Curry wrote:
> Patrick,
> The amount of play you mention is not unusual and probably not the
> problem. I have found that most clunks on acceleration are due to
> either U-Joints or play in the outward parts of the suspension.
>
> Since you have checked the U-joints, the next thing to check is wear on
> the bolt (or hole) that secures the vertical link to the trunion
> assembly. Also check the bushings and bolts that secure the radius
> arms. On my Spit, I discovered that the bolt that holds the vertical
> link was worn about half into. I had to replace the entire vertical
> link because the hole was also worn out.
>
> Wouldn't you know it, that was the only part of the suspension I didn't
> completely rebuild during my restoration.
>
> Joe
>
> Bowen, Patrick A. RP2 wrote:
> >
> > OK, I checked out my U-joints this weekend and could not find any play in
> > them. Maybe I was checking the wrong thing. I could not find any
> > looseness in the U-joints, but I did turn the driveshaft by hand and it
> > would rock about an 1/8th of a turn and I could hear it clunk. What is
> > going on here, is my Differential causing the problem. The most noticeable
> > sign is a single pop when accelerating or shifting up under acceleration.
> > Patrick Bowen
> > '79 Spitfire
> > Jacksonville FL
>
> --
> "If you can't excel with talent, triumph with effort."
>
> -- Dave Weinbaum in National Enquirer
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