When putting my 1966 mercury monterey into gear it makes a clunking noise.. could it be the ring and pinion gears?

Asked by Gary Mar 13, 2014 at 06:02 PM about the 1966 Mercury Monterey

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

there appears to be a lot of slack before it clunks (with it on a jack and both tires off the ground) while rotating the tires back and forth......I don't know much about the ford rearends....its a 1966 mercury Monterey....any help would be greatly appreciated.

2,385

Mike answered 10 years ago

The first thing to check is the play in the various parts. With the wheels up off the ground, the car in neutral. Turn the yoke on the input to the differential, and see how far it turns before the wheels start to turn. There should be very little play at all. If that is the case, the next thing to check is the U-joints. To the same, and check for play. HOPE it is the U-joints as they are a quick and inexpensive fix.

Mark helpful