I have a 1998 Tahoe. I regeared it to 4.88, checked the rear brakes, replaced the slip yoke, clamped the leaf springs...and still have this clunk, like my rear end is bound up, when I try to roll forward from being stopped. Can anyone help my figure this out? I'm going crazy here! Thanks in advance.

 

the driveshaft splines in the slip yoke may need lubricant. the driveshaft must be free to change length and if these splines are dry it will clunk at take off and coming to a stop.

 

The grease is only a temporary fix, and the service bulletin says to replace the slip yoke with a nickel-plated one...which I just did. I'm thinking the rear drum brakes may actually need to be replaced, but I'm not sure yet. They squeal constantly and seem to be sticking, hence causing this clunk. I'll probably just replace them. I've had them looked at 3 times and have been told they are fine, but I'm not sure they really are.

 

did you use the special lubricant for this purpose; cause any old grease will not do






if you slightly apply the brakes and drive away...is the noise gone or changed

 

You changed the fronts to right?

 

It was my first instinct after all...and my mechanic admitted I was right. It was my right brake cylinder that was not retracting. It was getting caught and hence giving that clunking noise. No problems now.

 

why 488 gears? how quick is it now?

 

Darned quick. Because I have 35" tires, I was struggling to get up to 55-60 mph. Now I'm there in no time with no effort. I plan on putting bigger tires on down the road, so instead of 4.56 I chose 4.88 to accommodate those larger tires. I outrun or keep up with smaller cars now also. It's a beast.