C3 Goes "cluck" when shifting into rev.

[Dennis A.]

My 1969 with a 400 TH automatic transmission "jumps with a cluck" when shifted into reverse...The jump feeling is like the rear end lifting up as the cluck sound goes into gear. Any idea's or help identifying this problem will be appreciated.

[Wayne W.]

Re: C3 Goes "cluck" when shifting into rev.

Snubber bushing.

[Dennis A.]

Re: C3 Snubber bushing

Wayne,

Is a snubber bushing the upper and lower cushion that cushions the carrier bracket (differential) to the frame?

[G B.]

You mean like a chicken?

Does it shoot eggs out the tailpipes afterwards?

I would look at the u-joints if it "clunks" when you put it in gear. Sounds like slop in the drivetrain somewhere.

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 Snubber bushing

Yes.

[Dennis A.]

Re: You mean like a chicken?

Jerry...

The way my car is shifting...it is a chicken!

[Craig S.]

Re: C3 Snubber bushing

Back in my early corvette days (when you were about 9 Patrick) I drove my 74 for about 4 years thinking that clunk (not cluck) was a worn crossgear shaft hole inside the posi case. I based this on a friends 340 cuda we pulled the rear and found this condition with the same sound. Finally, I found out it was the snubber from someone in the know, and spent the $5 or so at the time to replace all of it. Boy, did I feel stupid, and irritated that I drove the car this way, learning how to shift without that clunk. Live and learn! Now we have this website so others can learn easier...see you next week at the VH booth...Craig

[Eugene B.]

Re: Clunk vs. cluck

Gentlemen,
You are using highly technical Corvette terms that not all of us novices can fully understand.

If the sound is a clunk, when you shift from reverse to drive and vice versa, I would carefully examine the universal joints. If however, it is a cluck (like a chicken), I would carefully examine which rooster was last seen leaving the hen house! Sorry, couldn't resist.

If the snubber is good, check the U-joints.

Best regards,
Gene

[Edward McComas]

Re: C3 Goes "cluck" when shifting into rev.

I have a friend that replaced his snubber in a somewhat unique way. He got someone to get in the car, start the engine, put the car in drive (automatic), and hold the brake real tight while he crawled under the car and replaced the snubber bushing. Yes, he is still with us, and hopefully he isn't doing dumb stuff like this anymore.

[Craig S.]

Re: C3 Goes "cluck" when shifting into rev.

YIKES!!!!! He is being smiled upon I guess.........Craig