Clunking noise when taking off in first

[speezly]

So I am trying to pinpoint a clunking noise coming from underneath my car. It only happens when the car is in gear and does not seem to be affected by bumps turns etc. everything underneath looks to be in working order and everything is torqued to spec.

I had a nut missing on my Trans x member, but I replaced it and the noise persisted. I thought maybe it was an inner cv axle, so I changed that out today, but the noise is still there.

Could this be coming from a u joint/driveshaft? Or could it be something suspension related like a worn sway bar link? It happens almost every time I take off in first and I can fairly hear it when I shift into second. My clutch and flywheel were replaced about 15k back, so I don't think it would be that.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[rallyak]

I would check the U joints especially the front one and it is easer to check with the driveline out. I've had two fail and was hard to check when it was in the car.

[speezly]

If it is the u joints, that means I need the whole driveshaft right? I think I read somewhere those joints are not serviceable.

[rallyak]

They do have replacements, I have the part # I will have to dig it up. I have one on my car and you can grease it. It's better if a driveline specialist change it since they are staked in.

[mike-tracy]

Missing one of the bolts that go from the driveshaft to the body? Rear diff bushings torn? Transmission and/or engine rubber mounts shot? Could be a lot of things, me thinks.

[speezly]

Mike, I have new Oem engine mounts, sti group n trans and xmember bushings, along with a poly driveshaft support bracket/bushings my all of the bolts are tight to spec. The diff bushings all look good, I'm planning on replacing them with poly soon, so one way or the other, those will be addressed, but everything looks good. I have been underneath the car from bumper to bumper looking for anything that looks out of place or loose, and everything looks good. I'm thinking it may be a u-joint, but I will definitely look everything over again

[mike-tracy]

Hmm, I once had the bracket that goes from the transmission to the exhaust break on me, it would cause clunking when the engine/tranny rocked. That took a little bit to find.

[speezly]

Hmmm I just recently replaced the Exhuast from the heads back with my one from a 98 outback. Would it be possible for you to take a pic of the bracket?

I also found a shop that should be able to install new u-joints for me and with the pets it should be under 200. I think I might have that done just for peace of mind, while I have the exhaust off I will make sure I have the proper bracket. My legacy has the 5mt I don't know if that makes a difference or not

[rallyak]

Part#'s for u joints:
Rockford 430-10
Spicer 5-3202x
Neapco 1-0430

I have the Rockford one in mine and no problems, and have over 150k on it.

[speezly]

I just bought the dura last equivalent of the Rockford joints, but when I took the driveshaft out, they all looked to be in working order. The guy at the driveshaft shop looked it over and said the same thing, so I didn't even bother replacing them. I'm taking the car to the Subie specialists at All Aspects Motorsport tomorrow to have them check it out. I'm thinking it could be the control arm bushings in the front. I have AGX's and H&R sport springs, an 18 mm fsb and simply Subie fender braces, so I'm thinking all the load is going to the rear control arm bushing. Maybe it's time to get a whiteline ALK?