98cherrySS

iTrader: (2)

Hey folks, I'm running a MWC 9" with a tunnel mount torque arm. I get a lot of clunking between shifts and when on and off the throttle. It sounds like a bad factory TA bushing.

I installed a Seals-it Sealflex Elastomer Rod End (SF1010R) and that helped a lot but I'd also like to replace the poly bushing that joins the trans cross member and the torque arm mount. Does anybody know the size of this bushing?

Any other tricks to reducing the clunking of a trans cross member mounted torque arm?

Also, I am curious what mounting position on the trans cross member folks are using. I'm on the 2nd from the top hole.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

Im on the lowest hole for my tunnel mount. It is not factory smooth over bumps but there is no clunking with mine...or maybe you just mean general harshness, which does come from aftermarket parts and should be expected.

98cherrySS

iTrader: (2)

Harsh is expected. The clunk is identical to kind that occurs when a factory TA bushing goes bad on the tail shaft of the trans.

I've been planning on lowering the TA to a lower hole and adjusting the TA accordingly.

It was such a PIA dialing in the pinion angle that I haven't wanted to mess with it.

Nice SS BTW

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

Thanks, and yeah it shouldnt really be any clunks. Chassis mount torque arms do ride bad, plus our roads are crappy here so it makes it worse for me. Sounds like every single thing happening in the rear end whether it be gear noise or road imperfections comes straight into the console.

MidwestChassis2

iTrader: (1)

What one would consider clunks would be considered normal from others when using rigid aftermarket suspension items. If you feel it is excessive I would go over your install completely one more time as memory serves me correct you had a few struggles understanding how to install your rear end package.

HioSSilver

iTrader: (8)

I used a ridetech adjustable rubber bushing to fix my noise.

NOS LS1

iTrader: (3)

My Midwest Chassis Fab 9" Torque arm is Rock solid. I Have no clunking noise a all.

Darth_V8r

iTrader: (4)

I was goin to ask if something lik this existed. Good to know

98cherrySS

iTrader: (2)

I appreciate your suggestion and will review accordingly however I would like to address your last statement:

My struggles had absolutely nothing to do with understanding how to install the rear and everything to do with the quality/condition of the parts I received.

Starting with a misaligned housing end, bent pinion yoke, unbalanced driveshaft and a howling center section. FWIW here is an update, I ended up tearing down and rebuilding the center section myself and it's now dead silent. I also ended up building a jig on a frame puller to correct the housing geometry. That was a challenge but afterwards the axle slid in perfectly straight and no more vibrations. I do appreciate you sending me the replacement yoke. And you have my address should you decide to reimburse me for the $50 invoice I sent you to have my driveshaft re-balanced.

ssvert99

iTrader: (26)

Sorry about your particular issues, but we tried to work with you and did offer to replace your entire package and you obviously declined. As far as your driveshaft issue, it is a component we don't manufacture and you took it upon yourself to have work done to it before giving the manufacturer a chance to make it right.

Regardless we are happy to have you as a customer and glad to see it all worked out. Rest assured you have a dependable rearend in your car.

98cherrySS

iTrader: (2)

I checked out Ridetech's website. Do you remember the model numbers of the rubber bushing you used?

99bluefirebird

iTrader: (8)

Mine also has a similar clunking, worse at higher speeds when coming off the throttle. Feels like the forward/backward rocking motion the mount allows for. My pinion angle is set, wondering if I need to adjust my LCAs or something. Would be interested to hear more about the adjustable rubber bushing

98cherrySS

iTrader: (2)

This is a good way to describe it. The seals it rod end helped reduce the audible element of the clunking but the movement persists. Almost every passenger I've had has asked about the clunk.

98cherrySS

iTrader: (2)

The clunking/movement persists after lowering the TA down a hole. Does anybody know the size of the bushing between the cross member and the TA swing arm?

Also, I messaged with HioSSilver and his ridetech fix was very similar to the seals it elastomer rod end I installed.

tnmotown

iTrader: (107)

Did you get their race type torque arm?

I've had a slight clunking noise when I had mine installed. But since I got their "race" version torque arm which has adjusting nuts at every end of the TA, the rear top arm wasn't completely snugged down. I could almost move it side to side (if this all makes sense). It's hard to get a wrench up there and tighten it with the beefy 9" so I had to loosen my shocks to lower the rear and tighten that adjuster nut. Now everything is snug and no clunking.

98cherrySS

iTrader: (2)

If you are referring to the rod end at the the top of the housing then yes, I have torqued that down and checked it several times. The ears bent in a few degrees when torquing these locations. I have also torqued the lock nuts on the rod end shafts as well.

I'm beginning to think that the differential is the source of the clunking. There is alot of slack. I can rotate the drive shaft about 35° before the axles turn. The pinion is meshed well with ring as I observed when the center section was out. All the slack seems to be within the differential unit.

98cherrySS

iTrader: (2)

Looking for more ideas on this clunking. It is most noticeable when cruising at highway speeds. If I let off the gas it clunks. When I re-apply the gas it clunks. If I really feather it I can keep it from clunking. It does feel like something is moving below the floorboard when it happens. All fasteners are torqued. I am also noticing some vibrations creeping back from the rear end.