F53 driveline clunk when shifting between reverse and drive

[Mikeylikesit-WO]

Howdy gang,

While doing my semi-monthly engine warm up, I noticed a "clunk?" kind of noice when shifting from reverse to drive, and from drive to reverse. It does not make the noise going from park to reverse, or from neutral to either drive or reverse.

Thinking it might be a U joint, I put it in neutral with no parking brake, level with wheels chocked of course, and crawled under.
All the U joints look good and have zero play in them. However, there is a bit of play, which appears to be at the transmission tailpiece/yolk. I'm just wondering if its normal.

I've had the RV for a couple of years now, and not noticed it before, however.....I recently got my metal "barn" completed for storage, and I have it there.....and I had my drivers window open, so I guess I am hoping it's been there all the time, but I now can hear it better?

I can't imagine the transmission is wearing out with only 22K miles, and it runs and shifts like a top. It's the 2018 F53 chassis.

as always, thanks in advance! I am always amazed at the wealth of knowledge available in this community..

Cheers!

 

[Mark_K5LXP]

Carrier bearings and slip yokes also wear. But it would be surprising anything has worn out this quickly. There will also be lash in the differential but some is normal. Does the F53 trans have a park pawl? I thought they used a driveshaft brake. I might entertain the idea of going under there with someone actuating the shifter and see if there's a primary noise source.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

 

[Mikeylikesit-WO]

thanks, Mark! I'll try to do that too. Not sure about the park pawl, and my old '96 pace arrow did have the driveshaft brake, but I did not see one so perhaps its the pawl.
Although, I am a bit nervious about getting under it with the DW at the helm with the engine running.....HAHA!