So my buddy (used to work on RX7's at a shop, now just works on his Jeep) took a look at it, and said that it's definately a rear u-joint that's making the clunk.



Some searching (and previous posts I started) say possibly rear diff mount?



The rear diff mount would probably easier to replace, right? I just wanted to see if there's a way to check which it is, so I don't go replacing one for no reason. Also, the FSM doesn't mention changing the rear diff mount (unless it's called something else, like the "shock absorber"), so I wouldn't even know how to go about finding/changing it. The U-joint procedure I've seen around here a few times, I just gotta dig up one of the write-ups.

 

More likely your front diff mount than your rear diff mount. And if that were to case, it's a hell of a lot easier to drop a driveshaft and replace it (you need a new driveshaft, u-joint is supposedly non-replaceable) than it is to change the front diff mount; which requires lowering or dropping the rear subframe.

 

the clunk comes from the rear of the car, so i don't think it's a front mount. as for replacement, i've heard that it's a bitch to remove (need a torch to heat it up and get the old one off, haha), but it's def a lot cheaper than getting a replacement driveshaft

 

when the rear diff mount goes, the front of the diff swings up and hits the floor of the car, its a BIG clunk

 

well, maybe it IS big, but i've just gotten used to it?



but really, what are you saying then..you think it's gotta be a u-joint?

 

Just to clarify, the front diff mount is still technically in the rear of the car. The rear differential mounts in 3 places; 2 rear mounts and 1 front mount. All still in the rear of the car.

 

ooooooh, thx for the clarification



even still, i'd rather try and replace the mount than replace the whole driveshaft ($$$)

 

so my buddy called up carquest, and found some u-joints for $27.50 each. he thought something was weird, though, because the guy said they had staked end caps? he wanted me to ask you guys if that sounds like it'd still work in our cars. honestly, i don't know the difference, but he was saying how staked end caps sound like you can't just put the keeper pin back in after replacement?