Clicking noise from drive train when taking off from a stop

[SneakyPete13]

I have a 94 RT/10 that I got 2 years ago and am loving it. There's a weird loud clicking (3-4 clicks) that typically happens only when taking off in stop and go traffic. I usually never hear it after taking off from a cold start. And it is intermittent, but always only comes after taking off from a complete stop. Any previous experience or things to try out would be welcome. The sound seems to come from the middle of the car (at least as I hear when driving)

When I got it, I got all the fluids replaced at a reasonably reputable shop in the area, except the diff. They didn't want to do the diff since it has to be sucked out and refilled. Not sure if the diff itself has ever had its "forever" oil changed. Other than that all drive train maintenance should be OK. I'm hoping to do the diff fluid replacement myself one of these days. Just haven't had the courage to wrench on it myself yet.

 

[daveg]

First thing to look at is U joints.

 

[99RT10GTS]

U-joints. My guess is the outer Driver's side. Most common failure point

 

[SneakyPete13]

Thank you both very much. Much appreciated.

 

[Dan Cragin]

The issue is the splines in the rear bearing hubs. They become worn and make a cracking noise on takeoff.
Dodge had a service notice at one time to replace the rear wheel bearings.

If the rear bearings are in good shape, you can just swap the left and right bearings. This allows the
splines to load on the opposite side where this is no wear. No more noise.

 

[SneakyPete13]

Thank you Dan. Taking this to a shop for the job. Don't think I am up to this level for doing it myself unfortunately. If I were to replace the bearings, is it a complicated job with specialty parts?

 

[Goggles Pizano]

Thank you Dan. Taking this to a shop for the job. Don't think I am up to this level for doing it myself unfortunately. If I were to replace the bearings, is it a complicated job with specialty parts?

You replace the whole hub. And no.

 

[Dan Cragin]

Replacing the bearings is not hard, but its critical that you torque the rear bearings correctly at the axle nut.
Only use premium bearings. They make some really cheap ones that don't last. On a Gen 1 with under 50k miles that has not
been tracked, with no wheel play or excessive grease leaking from the bearing, should be fine. Just swap right to left to fix the
noise.

The noise is bothersome, but is not a safety issue.

 

[SneakyPete13]

Thank you so much. Got an appointment in two weeks to get this done. Will report back how it goes.

 

[daveg]

Let us Know what Bearing you go with (if you replace them), looks like Timken's are getter harder to get.