🚀 go-pugleaf

> 
>   The automatic transmission of my '77 Plymouth Volare is producing a 
> heavy thump when shifted from Neutral to either Reverse or Drive.
> The harshness of the transmission engagement is roughly proportional to
> the idling speed. The thump can jolt the car at cold idle speed (1400 rpm),
> but is tolerable at hot idle (700 rpm). The level and quality of the 
> transmission fluid has been checked out fine, the idle speeds are 
> also alright.  Other than the stated problem the trasmission works fine
> (no delay, no slippage). I would appreciate any pointer
> to the probable cause of the problem. Thanks.

One thing you might want to consider is to check the universal joints on the
driveshaft itself.  If you at times hear a metallic like "klink" when the 
transmission engages, then it probably is your universal joints.  To roughly
describe what is happening, imagine two of those trick rings that a magician
uses.  Imagine them interlooped, with the plane of one ring perpendicular to
the other.  Now hold one ring steady with one hand and give the other ring a
sharp 90-degree twist.  Notice how it contacts with the other ring?  This is 
what happens when your universal joints are worn.  I would suggest having it
checked out as soon as possible, because even though you may not notice it while
you are driving, the same thing is constantly happening as you drive, and
accelerate, decelerate, stop, start, etc.  Eventually you will actually break
the universal joint and/or drive shaft, and if it is really bad, you could even
drop the driveshaft itself (it happened to me!).  Good luck and let me know how
yo made out...
-- 
     Adrian Zannin
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