Slip Yoke Update

rikhek · April 3, 2002

I have read and appreciate all the past posts/threads discussing the dreaded Chevy/GMC clunk. The clunk in the 99 Z71 I bought about a month ago was wearing thin. Thanks to the information provided I have, at least temporarily, eliminated the clunk without giving any money to the dealer.

This past weekend I pulled the driveshaft and greased the slip yoke w/Valvoline synthetic grease. Cost about $3.50 for a tube @ Pep Boys. I also changed the transfer case fluid out to the Trac II "blue" stuff.

The grease instantly eliminated the clunk. As such I'm not sure if the fluid swap will also help or extend the time until "the return of the clunk".

I tried to get the dealer to do the nickle plated yoke swap but with the truck out of warranty they just about laughed at me, after first looking me straight in the eye and telling me this is the first they have ever heard about such an outrageous claim as mine. What do you mean there's a clunk is what they had the audacity to say. We quickly got that issue resolved (again, thanks to the education provided me from the information on this site). They also declined to sell me one at a discount.

Wanted to let you folks know GMpartsdirect.com shows the nickle plated yoke in stock (part #12477702) for $126.94 as opposed to $211.57 from the stealer.

The problem I have with buying one of the yokes is I have read many of you state this has also proven to be a temporary fix.

I have additionally read that GM is working on a permanent fix which brings us to the question I have:

Does anybody know where GM is at on coming up with a permanent fix AND/OR any idea what the fix will be?

Thanks in advance.

Rick

LOOPOUT · April 3, 2002

i had the yoke installed yesterday in my 01 Z/71 ... its about75-80% better but not 100%...

I really think they need to step up & address the engine knock too!

Needless to say I may not have this truck much longer ???

01z71 · April 3, 2002

Don't know how GM is progressing on the fix. I had my yoke replaced in February and so far no clunk.

Z71GUY · April 3, 2002

I had my slip yoke replaced a few months ago (about 3500 miles on it now...about 600 of it is towing quads) and so far so good....100% fixed.... no clunk at all.

Eric

Victory Red · April 4, 2002

Am I the only one with a reg cab who has this clunk? I know the SB says ext cabs only, but I got this clunk too. At least that is what it sounds like to me, after reading about this problem for the last several months. Does anyone with a reg cab have this clunk? Speak out!

MountaineerTom · April 4, 2002

Got mine replaced today with the nickel plated one. My clunk wasn't too bad, but figured I'd have it checked out before the warranty runs out in about 6,000 miles. Seems to be better than it was though.

americanmuscleman · April 4, 2002

Thats really funny that you mentioned you greased the slip yoke and it seemed to dissappear for a while. A friend of mine did that also on his truck, and for a while he was saying it made the "clunk" dissappear.

MountaineerTom · April 4, 2002

Thats really funny that you mentioned you greased the slip yoke and it seemed to dissappear for a while. A friend of mine did that also on his truck, and for a while he was saying it made the "clunk" dissappear.

If I remember correctly, that's actually what the TSB called for prior to the one to replace the slip yoke.

THE BIGPUNN · April 4, 2002

my yoke was ordered today. i hope it fixes the problem. loopout, hang in there. i get pissed off too sometimes, considering that we are dealing with GM a multi million dollar business thats been around for a long time that cant seem to fix minor issues, but i am certain ford and dodge have there issues too.

LOOPOUT · April 4, 2002

oh the truck might go but that will be if the SS comes out... got the ok from the wife unit to buy one if i wish...

i feel the need for speed

kaspar139 · April 4, 2002

Where can I get the TSB for this clunk? I want to take a printed copy of it with me to the dealer.

My warranty runs out in 2000 miles, and I am going in to have them take care of this. ???

Thanks

MountaineerTom · April 4, 2002

I don't know of a website that has it now, but ask them to look at TSB #01-04-17-004. Maybe someone has a copy they can e-mail to you. But if you give them that number, at least they should realized that you know there is a TSB for it.