I'm sure this has to be a common issue, I'm just not sure what the cause and resolution is. When I put my 1982 Vette into gear is clunks a bit and really squats the rear end. It is particularily bad when warming up and the idle is high. Is there a part/bushing that wears on these and causes this? Sure could use some help. Thanks, Brad.

 

Usually if the rear end squats when put into gear, that would signal a problem with the brakes. I would guess that either your parking brake is dragging severly (doubtful if you're able to drive the car) or that your rear brakes are the only ones grabbing when you hit the brake pedal, leaving the fronts to spin freely. Get on a dirt road (or patch of lawn you don't care much about) and step on the brakes (not super hard, but hard enough) from about 10 MPH and see if the rears are the only ones leaving skid marks. Most of your stopping power should be coming from the front wheels.

Also, a very high idle will cause the rear to squat somewhat. I just don't know how much movement you're talking about.

 

as for the clunk. It could be a number of things. Is it a solid "thud" or is there a metallic "clang" to it also? Can you feel this "clunk"? I'd start with checking the transmission mounts, then the U-joints on the driveshaft and rear half-shafts. Those are the easiest and cheapest problems to fix.

 

There's a large bushing in the center front of the rear end and if it is bad it will allow the rear end to spool up and that's probably the clunk you hear. that would also cause the rear to squat down.

 

Also, I would check out your rear leaf spring. They use a fiberglass single leaf system and those often form cracks over the years and could cause a similar problem.