Need to fix drivetrain slop.

[Rdrcr]

I am looking for suggestions regarding fixing my Mustangs drivetrain slop. Essentially, the problem is a forward-to-rear bucking of the powertrain that occurs in first gear at low rpm's. I think it could be due to worn-out engine mounts (I noticed while changing the clutch that the motor moved quite a bit during the process), however, perhaps the problem is also due to worn differential bushings or something that I am not very familiar with.

The transmission mount is new and was replaced when the clutch was changed.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Mike

 

[HaynStang]

Engine mounts, u-joints, rear control arm bushings, rear wheel bearings could all have something to do with it. My car has the same feeling of drivetrain slop you describe and in my case I think it's all of the above contributing to it.

I don't know much about diffs so I'll let someone else chine in on that one. But I'd start checking things one by one to see if you find anything obvious.

 

[Rdrcr]

^^^^^
Thank you.

The U-joints look good. I might have to start with by replacing the engine mounts and I will take a look at the control bushings.

Mike

 

[Mustang78]

my car does this somewhat, check your timing and carb settings(i assume you're EFI though)..you might be surprised that the cause of this is engine related, not driveline slop..i just roll to a stop in neutral now instead of letting it buck like that

~Mark~

 

[Rdrcr]

^^^^
The car is not having issues at idle, off-idle or any rpm at any throttle position while the car is at a stand-still. I don't think that this problem is from a faulty tune or setting.

I honestly believe it is due to "things" moving around too much.

Mike

 

[SVT32VDOHC]

Motor mounts is a solid start. Control arm bushings...well you cannot see much of them unless you take them aparts. You could replace those too...but you had this problem before and after your clutch install right?

 

[Rdrcr]

^^^^
Yes, before and after.

I'll start with the motor mounts, hopefully that will cure most of the problem. The rear bushing are going to be expensive because I will upgrade those components to MM parts.

Mike

 

[Mustang78]

i am running solid motor mounts and i still get this problem. it got much better when i corrected the timing to 12-14*BTDC. maybe it is drivetrain slop, who knows....let us know if you figure it out

 

[mustangmike6996]

did anyone rule out ring and pinion slop????? too much backlash......

 

[Rdrcr]

^^^^^^
Not me, I do have a small whine from the rear end. However, it seems that there is far too much movement for the differential to be the only culprit. I appreciate the response!

Mike