CLUNCKIN IN REAR

[Kyles69]

Got a 1969 Charger with a 8 3/4 inch ring gear that I had completely gone through!  All new bearings, new 3.55 ring gear/pinion set, and new sure grip!  The reason I had this done is due to a whine that developed.  I removed the 3rd member & had a local shop set the gears, etc.. up for me!  Got it back together & the whine is gone, which is great!  However when I turn left, there is a clunking noise that appears to be coming from the passenger side rear (RR) & its only when I turn left.  I had the mechanic that set up the rear end for me listen to it & check it.  He says its the adjuster ring on the RR that is worn.  I've only recently became familiar with this adjuster ring, so I'm not 100% sure that I know how it works or the purpose of this ring!  From my understanding it adjusts the amount of play that's in the axles!  Could this actually be my problem (since I never had this noise prior to removing the axles) or have I not followed a procedure correctly or what?  Any help in this matter would be helpful!  Thanks guys!!   

[Steve P.]

Or the clicking is due to NOT using the proper ( SURE GRIP ) additive assuming you have a sure grip. If so, and you did not add it, you can pick it up at your local dealer.

[Kyles69]

YES, I did put in additive!

[Kyles69]

What is the proper procedure to adjusting the rear axle end play??

[TylerCharger69]

I cant remember the measurements....but on the passenger side, there is an adjustment nut, about the diameter of the bearing with a lock tab on it held on by one of the nuts, which hold the backing plate in place....You'll see there are "holes" around the diameter of the adjustment nut itself....as you loosen it, you'll notice the in and out play will get more pronounced.

[Purple68]

I cant remember the measurements....but on the passenger side, there is an adjustment nut, about the diameter of the bearing with a lock tab on it held on by one of the nuts, which hold the backing plate in place....You'll see there are "holes" around the diameter of the adjustment nut itself....as you loosen it, you'll notice the in and out play will get more pronounced.

I always set mine so you could just detect end play and never had problems.

[terrible one]

Also make sure the thrust buttons/ spacer are in there.

[daves68]

Had the same issues with my recently installed suregrip ( clutch type). Here's what you do. Take a deep breath and go to the local FORD dealer parts counter. Get 2 -4 oz bottles of their product " Motorcraft Additive Friction Modifier" P/N 38151. Costs about 4$ each. Add it to the diff and go to a local parking lot and do a bunch of figure 8's. Not fast ones, low speed and full turn to load and work the stuff into the clutches. Noise will disappear. Guy at the parts counter said he sells nearly all this stuff to Mopar guys. Whats up with that? PS this stuff STINKS so don't get it all over your hands 'cause the smell does not come off easily.
Didn't make this up- advice actually came from Randys Ring and Pinion help line.

[Kyles69]

"Terrible One" mentioned thrust buttons/spacers....what are those?

Also...found the correct procedure of adjusting the rear axle end play in a friend of mines old Chilton manual & followed it to the best of my abilities with a micrometer (not with a dial indicator).  The noise is still there.  It might be slightly better & I have noticed that it usually makes the clunking noise when I've come to a complete stop, then turn left.  If I roll through a stop & go to the left I haven't noticed the clunk.   

[gasoline_24]

I am experiencing the exact same thing.  Except I have the green style bearings.  What type of suregrip do you have?  I have the clutch style.  I did put in the additive, but haven't tried the figure 8s.  I will try those tomorrow.

[elacruze]

...I have noticed that it usually makes the clunking noise when I've come to a complete stop, then turn left.  If I roll through a stop & go to the left I haven't noticed the clunk.   

Check to see that your brake backing plate is not loose on that side.

[gasoline_24]

I checked the backing plates and they were a little loose so I torqued those down and torqued the wheels on.  However, every time I turn left I get a loud grinding/clunking sound in the rear.  This is worse when turning left then when turning right.  It is also more noticeable at slow speeds than at higher speeds.

[Kyles69]

Followed the procedure in checking the axle end play; added a bottle of friction modifier (at the time of the rebuild); and went out & did many figure eights in an open parking lot!  The only thing I HAVEN'T done, is what Daves68 suggested which is adding two bottles of Fords friction modifier!  But I still have this noise.  Sounds like something is about to fall of this car it clunks so bad....its really embarassing!  Like I said, its only on left turns.  Seems to be worse when accelerating through a left turn!  Doesn't seem to make the noise at all if I don't come to a complete stop, then turn!   

[elacruze]

Give a little more detailed information.
How far off the stop sign does the clunk happen?
Does it matter how hard you accelerate?
Have you checked your spring shackles and U-bolts?
Describe the clunk. Is it metallic like hitting the axle with a hammer, or drummy like body metal thumping?
Do you have a pinion snubber on the nose of your rear axle?

[Kyles69]

Give a little more detailed information.
How far off the stop sign does the clunk happen?
Does it matter how hard you accelerate?
Have you checked your spring shackles and U-bolts?
Describe the clunk. Is it metallic like hitting the axle with a hammer, or drummy like body metal thumping?
Do you have a pinion snubber on the nose of your rear axle?

The clunk starts just has I begin to steer and accelerate.  It seems if I can coast the turn, it won't make the God awful noise.  I would have to describe the noise as if someone is hitting the wheel with a hammer, a big hammer.  I have NOT checked the U-Bolts or spring shackles simply because I didn't think there would be a need for it, since the noise began as soon as the rear end was put back together.  And yes I do have a pinion snubber on the nose of the axle, and its been there since I've owned the car!  Thank you for any info! 

KYLE

[elacruze]

I'm stumped for an exact cause. I have to go with the others here who think it's in the sure-grip.
I did have an '85 GMC pickup which did the same thing, but only when it was hot after a long trip; and it had 250,000 miles on that rear end. The posi unit was worn out, and I knew it. I'd take it to the shop that did the 'rebuild' and ask that they give it back without the clunk since you didn't pay for that...

[1970Moparmann]

Any update on this.  I'm pretty sure I have the same issue.

[gasoline_24]

I added the Mopar friction modifier and it took care of the problem.  I used to bottles.  I had previously put in the stuff from Advanced Auto parts and it didn't do the trick.