Transmission "clunk?"

albanyco · April 28, 2002

Any input? My 2500HD, 6.0, 5-speed manual has a very audibly 'clunk' when pushing in the clutch quickly... and when releasing the clutch upon upshifting. This happens about 3/4 of all shifts. It sort of sounds like a u-joint, but it definitely the clutch. 1900 miles. The dealer claims this is "normal product characteristic." "it's the throw-out bearing on the pressure plate making this noise." I don't agree. They claim it is due to the wonderful amount of torque this engine produces -- but the sound/feel occurs no matter how hard I'm into the throttle. Thoughts? Thanks.

regcab02HD · April 29, 2002

I know what your talking about. I can be driving and step on the clutch and get the "clunk" your talking about. My pickup also makes a jult, at slower speeds, when I get the clunk.

I took it to the dealer one time and told them it seemed like the clutch or tranny had some play in it. They drove it and said it was normal.

Does it seem like the pickup shifts better when you shift past the 3000 rpm range? When I shift below 3000 rpm I get the clunk a hole lot. But above it seems ok.

BDBWTE · April 29, 2002

I would guess that the clunk is just he clutch and yes my truck does shift more smoothly about 3,000r's. I have 25,000 on my truck and over half of the time I have pulled equipment and so far so good no problems. I have notice that my clutch has "loosened up" if you know what I'm talking about like it feel's looser than when it was new but I like the way it shifts now opposed to when it was new. Mine when it was new was like driving a truck with a ceramic clutch no play in the throw of the clutch but now it's normal.

regcab02HD nice truck I like it a lot mine is just like yours but mine is Pewter. late

regcab02HD · April 30, 2002

It's going to look alittle different within a few weeks. I'm getting new tires and rims, and I already have the Ranchhand Front Replacement. I'll have pics soon.

albanyco · April 30, 2002

Thanks for the replies... shifting around 3-grand does seem to help. What could be the cause of this behavior at lower RPM's??? I'm hoping it will 'soften' with more miles...

I'm starting to shop around for a more robust exhaust system... I want this thing to sound like a V8 w/300 ponies!

Tuite · October 31, 2006

Does anyone have any updated experiances with this clunk?

I have it in my 2005 6.0/nv4500, I can't determine if it is clutch related or the slip yoke.

GetMore · November 1, 2006

One of the fixes for the slip yoke is to just grease it. (IIRC there is a Mopar grease that is excellent for this, and the techs always have extra-I got this info from a mechanic at a Mopar/GMC dealership.)

You can use standard wheel bearing grease also, it just won't last as long. Try asking the dealership to try it, to eliminate the problem, and the keep their customer happy. It'll be better than the $150 slip yoke and hour labor if it's not the problem.

The other thing to look at would be engine and transmission mounts, exhaust, and suspension bushings.

Good luck.