91 GMGS Tranny & or Rear End Problems

[Grandma91quis]

Hello and happy holidays. I am having some issues with my panther. The drivetrain feels slopy and when it down shifts it makes a clunking noise and jolts the car. If your on the highway and step on it the car shifts down and jolts really hard, and when you slow to a red light it does the same thing but its mild compared to on the the highway. It doesnt feel like its sliping, just feels like there is alot of play in the drive line. Im just trying to get some ideas on what to check. Ill be tearing her down next week after christmas, im off work all week. Any thoughts? I apreciate all the help I can get. Thanks.

[88grandmarq]

sounds like a classic U-joint failure to me. Inspect and replace as required. Any good driveline shop will install new joints and balance the drive shaft for you if you remove it and take it to them. place I go to charges about $65 for it and it really makes a difference.

you should also check your TV grommet, located on the throttle lever, see if its missing or worn.
checking and adjusting the TV pressure with a gauge wouldnt hurt either.

[gadget73]

Yeah, dead/dying U joints, or maybe excessive play in the rear but the U joints are much easier and cheaper to replace.

[grandpaslincoln]

Crawl under and grab hold of the driveshaft, twist it and try to move it up and down and left and right at both the trans and the rear end, good way to find out.