carringb wrote:
That leaky thing is an inline transmission fluid cooler. Required by Ford if you've ever had the transmission apart, but a good thing to have anyways (I run the same one too preventively). A little seeping is noting to worry about, although trimming bit of hose on either end and new clamps should fix it. Most definitely not your source of the clunk.
Did you check your hubs yet? The front axle isn't build as tight as the rear, so if you have the hubs locked in, the slop on the gears and axles can cause clunks when you are in 2WD.
Brian,
Are you sure you didn't mean oil "filter" instead of oil cooler? I'm not sure, but the leaky canister shape doesn't look like a "cooler".
Also, the OP finally said he has 2WD in the post right above yours, so no 4x4 hubs to worry about. Nor half-shaft u-joints. Must be a 2003, or older truck, per 7.3L engine.
I think the OP may be correct that the tranny drive shaft splines are dry, sticking and breaking loose under hard aceleration since Ford is noted for this. Unless something was left loose (can't imagine) when replacing ball-joints or other front end service.
Offhand, will a Trac-Loc differential start to clunk if it is refilled and still requires the special additive? Some of his clunky starts were when turning.
Wes
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