[Whiterocket]

My SS 6-speed manual has about 40,000 miles on it. It has developed what I call slop in the drive train. Symptom is if I do not make a real smooth shift, particularly in the lower gears, you hear what appears to be a U-joint that has a lot of play in it. Is this common with the stock drive shaft? Anyone else having this problem?

[PizzzzzaForPresident]

It only does that when you shift? How about when you're cruising in gear and then hammer down on the throttle?

[Warrior102]

My 2018 with 35K has a slight audible thunk when taking up slack in the drive train, every time I'm under there I look around and nothing is askew, it seems more from the differential.

[Whiterocket]

It does it only when I shift, or in 1st gear if running at a low speed if I suddenly back off the throttle.

[Whiterocket]

My fear is that it is in the differential. I have not got under there to check it out yet. Likely not catastrophic problem brewing, just a loosening up of tolerances as it gets older. Like my body.

[LT1ornothing]

Originally Posted by Whiterocket

My fear is that it is in the differential. I have not got under there to check it out yet. Likely not catastrophic problem brewing, just a loosening up of tolerances as it gets older. Like my body.

I can tell you this man, I test drove 2 new 6 speed.manual LT1s when I made my purchase. The one I did not buy did the same exact thing you are describing, noticeable thunk on shift, you can shift soft enough to avoid or minimize it, but it is more noticeable under load. The only logical explanation I could imagine was that something was loose in the drivetrain. I think you need to safely get under the car and verify unless you are going to let the dealer or a shop diagnose it.

[Whiterocket]

I will have a good local independent shop take a look. He works on a lot of hot rods,and has built dragsters. I was hoping someone might say something like "yes, easy cheap fix. Upgrade your U joints."

[dmcmahan60]

If it is your rear diff I can break down what it cost to have one replaced:( Just had a new one put in my car. Started making a lot of noise when you let off of the gas. Good Luck

[WhiteMale]

Remember that there has to be some slop in the driveline, lash, or it'll self-destruct. Problem is how much you have and is that in spec and it more precisely can't be measured without opening up the diff that I'm aware of. That and the throwout bearing can be a thing, too, that makes some bothersom noise.

[Wobble Goat]

2017 SS manual 46k miles, mine started making the exact noise you described as well around 40k. I haven't bothered figuring out what is happening yet. I also have noticeable thunk noise coming from my shifter when going over bumps. Probably all related to the the transmission mount slowly dying.

[easttxss]

Something that I haven't seen mentioned is that I believe that our cars have a dual mass flywheel that dampens torque peaks and vibration before they get to the transmission. If the internals of the flywheel wear or fail prematurely, it could make a clunking sound that is being discussed here.

[switzer]

The differential in my 2022 Camaro has alot of slop. This car has 1,475 miles on it and I have been following the break in process for the most part. One dealership stated that was normal.
Here are a couple of short videos. It is a 6 speed manual and sounds like the ring and pinion is about to explode when driven.
Links to videos
https://plus.gopro.com/media-library/0r7vPbKLZe8Ze
https://plus.gopro.com/media-library/zPgJyOadr7zWd

Ideas, suggestions and opinions accepted.

Thank you.