DBG: DragBoss Cougar Clunk, Clunk, Clunk, Is Really A Shock, Knock Knock Whose There ???

Well all good things must come to an end, and I am glad to say that it is not the mighty 409 Cleveland...I had just made a record pass of 9.32, at 143, and ready for that 9.2x run. Left hard, with a 1.28 60 ft. and through the traps at 8400. While slowing down. You can hear a metallic noise. Clunk Clunk Clunk, especially while turning on the return road. After evaluating, initially thought it was the right rear tire, or axle, even rear end...But I was wrong, sound like it is coming from the transmission. I had called my friend Paul Adomaitis, and discussed the noise. He feel's it may be the planetary gears. I hope not. Rear ring gear, rear pinion, U-Joints, caliper, suspension, are what many have suggested.
Well I heard the noise as you guys did, so I used my cam with flexible shaft, looked into the differential through the fill cap. I saw what looked like irregular metal, and a bearing race, and bearing. See video and pics of what it actually is. Nothing broken in the rear. Axles, and bearings look great. Carrier bearings have some discoloration, but not burnt appearance. The oil has the metal wear appearance, it is 7 years old, and quite a few passes. The ring and pinion look well, minimal wear, 35 spline spool looks great. Back lash seems good. I can hear and feel the transmission drums, and parking pawl. Transmission drove 100 percent, so I will maybe drop the trans fluid, and inspect pan. Drive shaft perfect. So back together it goes. I know that the rear end is ready to roll. So test drive make sure all good before hitting the track.
So what is the knock knock knock, it is the drivers side upper shock mount loose. Making the noise on slow down and around the return road in the video. Always bounce the car, before pulling out the rear end. But better safe than sorry.
Thanks for watching DragBoss Garage, "Where your always seeing and learning something new"

[@randepayne6966]

That ride with Alaina nearly brought a tear to my eye Tim. Such a priceless moment with your daughter. Thanks for sharing it with us. Hard to believe a 9 second car is so streetable. It just sounds “right”. Looks like pure joy to drive, street or track. Good job DBG!

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Thanks Randy, same here when I looked back at it. My heart knows these times are short in our lives. So to hold on to them forever. Cougars have that look for sure. 💯🏁🇺🇸

[@racer44x]

Felpro makes a nice gasket for 9” with a steel core we used them on are circle track cars Reused them over and over and never leaked

[@danmyers9372]

Beats using silicone and having to clean up the mess when you service the unit.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

They didn’t have that. So for a nice file pro should work well. I may not use any sealer, has a gasket.

[@marvsmith8137]

That much horsepower, and torque, puts some load 💪

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Dam straight.

[@terrym6300]

Glad you found the noise. At least you've gained more confidence in the third member.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Yep, that is out of the picture. Thanks

[@johnnymossville]

So funny!!!! I have had similar things happen over the years. I think it's human nature to expect the worst.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

I known, the clue leads you there

[@Mike62501]

Yes great reusable 9” gasket I made that for Winston Cup guys back when I was at FP 1988-98 same as steel core in intake gaskets, valve cover and oil pan stroker gasket.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

None here local stores Napa closed on Sundays nice fel pro plain Jane. Thanks Mike 👍🏁

[@randepayne6966]

Wow! Sure sounded like something in the drive train. Happy for you nothing major. Looks like it was time to change the diff oil anyway. I was a little nervous for you working over the floor drain uncovered. 😅

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Me too. Sure glad. Yea 7 years and no maintenance. Yes missing a washer??? Hmm

[@strokermaverick]

Wow! Just a shock.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

That’s it. 🤞

[@davidrickson2480]

Glad it's fixed! Nice inspection. Talented camera person!

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Thank you Doc, Izzy is doing very well in DragBoss Garage. Yes my bad for missing the basic eval.

[@marvsmith8137]

Glad you found it tim, 👍

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Me too Marv

[@duradim1]

Well, at least you know your rearend is in great shape.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Yes sir and looks pretty rugged too.

[@lautburns4829]

Mine broke almost in the same place, repeated launch’s broke the body support up in the member. Had to wells extra metal into the member on the Boss 9. Or it would have shoved the shock into the trunk area.😂👍

[@alanmeyers3957]

Had to wells extra metal? I get it all the time, I have to wells extra too!

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Dang it man. Boss 9.

[@rodzimmerman1979]

You had to have been relived to find out it was not something complex and expensive.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

I was like wtf. Oh well all good. Thanks

[@michaelclanton1152]

Now we need some good weather.great job dedication.

[@michaelclanton1152]

If you are interested I made a e brake with an extra caliper on the back and a hydraulic hand brake that drifters use.I made a new bracket for the axle with 2 mounts for caliper. Ask if you want more info.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

I see what you’re saying. I probably would not put e brake in, I remember taking all the cables and brackets off, still have them packed away lol

[@danmyers9372]

I was one of those who posted I thought it was the rear differential. Happy to see I was wrong! Definitely not the first time and won’t be the last. Also happy that it is about as simple a fix as it could be.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

I am one too dan. So glad nothing major.

[@jeffhartmann1610]

All that for a loose shock??....Well that just sucks.. I'm sorry you went through that...Indeed better safe that sorry..Man I love that car

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

It is racing. Better to be safe than sorry. Thanks Jeff for watching

[@ChrisWilliams-fs1zp]

😂🤣I think it lost hi gear on the last run for some reason but what a great find😂🤣Bad ol Cat pronounced Battle Cat is ready to make some more hits😎

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Battle time baby. Hopefully back together on Thursday and race on Friday. 👍🏁

[@4113N5]

Sucks getting old,good job finding the culprit. Me- now help me up!

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Yes great find and yes it is a bitch getting up and down from the floor 100 times

[@petercunningham3469]

Always worth checking I changed to a new Gear set supplier once and after the first meeting I decided to check the gears found cracks at the base of every Gear wheel tooth . Checking stuff it's time well spent.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Sure is Peter. Looks so good so back in it goes. Yes worth looking at at this power level.

[@chadcarpenter4078]

Im glad you found it and it wasn't something expensive, I don't think I'll be that lucky with my noise but I'm gonna be adding shocks to my checklist ,, that Yukon 9" center section is same thing im running in my old truck they're pretty stout

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

I am too Chad. I sure looks strong that is for sure. Good luck with your noise.

[@jrmrencso8716]

Just a shock, that's great, I was betting it was the rear U joint.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

I know it. Was thinking it was broken pinion. Thanks

[@itseithergonnaworkoritaint7852]

Glad it was something simple.😎👍

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

That’s hope it stays that way.

[@bobwhite4344]

had somewhat similar experiences in life. like you say, start with the simple possibilities.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

But bob, I should have checked suspension, basics. My bad.

[@michaelclanton1152]

Shocking ending, haha

[@billfioretti3013]

Sometimes it's the simplest thing. So glad that was the case here! Rear was probably due for a thorough inspection anyway. Did sound a bit noisy from over here in CT.😮 Will have peace of mind once she's back together. May Kitty continue to rock and roll!

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Very shocking indeed.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

That’s it Bill, hope all else is well. Keeping the faith baby rock on

[@VintageVoltage351]

Frustrating when something like that happens, diagnosing problems can be a bitch sometimes! Glad it was an easy fix mate.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

So glad too. Now back together mate. Thanks

[@aguyinnc2865]

Well, at least now you know. Glad it wasn't something worse!

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Man that is for sure brother.

[@masterspin7796]

Cool..you don't have to write checks..lol!

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Nope, except for 10 gal of Q16 at 125 per 5. Oh yeah and a jack Roush old pro stock motor I have to pick up this week.

[@samperras]

Woo hoo, I thought for sure it was the diff

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Me too Sam. I have not even looked at the shock yet

[@skxj]

Oh what a relief that was. LoL it sure sounded like a rotating type noise to me. I woulda started lookin at those same parts too. Right on glad it wasnt a big mess.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Plop plop fizz fizz, oh what a relief it is. Small mess.

[@racer6583]

I'd never thought a loose shock would clunk like a rear end I've had output shafts, a slightly twisted drive shaft, and a rear make that clunk but never a shock. Well the bright side is it's a easier fix then your rear gear and the like.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Without a doubt, wish I would have bounced the car first. I forgot the basics of wrenching, I learned 40 years ago. Yes relieved. Sure did sound like rear end.

[@nonenone1249]

well atleast you have peace of mind after looking at the rear how things are in there after 6 years.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Yes I do. My problem is the easy diagnosis I could have made it, if I went through the basics. But live and learn.

[@mohanperformance.enginerd.1308]

Great video. It needed an annual diff inspection, service and fresh gear oil anyway. It looks mint! Is it a 9.5 inch ring gear? You can probably run 75-90 instead of 85-140 for a little less drag and less of it. Maybe 1.5 quarts is enough. But more interesting is the shock. That tells a story about maybe running out of travel or needs a better upper mount or something? I am not a chassis expert. But I bet there is a little better 60' available there. 🤔

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Thanks Mohan, I will use the Lucas 80w90. Has worked well so stick with it. It sure I shock, plenty of room for travel. I have not even looked at it yet. Hopefully just loose. I think there may be more.

[@BustedNut-]

Nice! To bad youtube will just delete all my comments anyways so you probably wont get to see this but you have an awesome channel!👍

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Thanks nut buster, I appreciate you. And stay tuned to DBG. More in store

[@stuartwall8212]

hey, you found it before you took out the trans...two thumbs up!

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Yea that would have been a task I do not want to do. This season.

[@stuartwall8212]

​@@DragBoss351Cleveland Would you have thought that 10 years ago? I am early 60s and the thought of pulling a transmission entails a commitment of energy that is in dwindling supply. My point is this: your 5 year project was a huge success. As summer sets in, you are wise to spend time with your family and contemplate the next move with the Cougar, which may be safety upgrades? You will figure it out. Also, I think if you go that route, you will figure out how to make that interesting to your channel. Do the things that are important to you, and the enthusiasm for such will give your viewers interest. What does this have to do with energy? You cant do everything. Choose wisely. BTW, good job!

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

@stuartwall8212 thank you for the reply. You are so right, and you see my excitement. Sometimes I get crazy about engine stuff. I just turned 59 and get the energy factor for sure. Hell after racing Friday, I don’t even go and mess with car, unload and let it be. Yes I will figure out how to keep you entertained and learning. Everyone. Thanks for the comment Stuart. Stay tuned

[@jamesford2942]

Got rid of the bad aluminum driveshaft that was .027 thousands out and had been rebalanced 3 times. It had a bad vibration that got worse with speed. New carbon fiber driveshaft with Strange Engineering yoke smooth as butter. I did 154.5 MPH at the Texas Mile without a problem.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Yes I was thinking about a carbon fiber, are they close to a grand? My old steel one has been working and taking a beating well.

[@craigbennett4963]

Hey tim craig from down under..been goina comment 4 long time.. luv ya channel been watchin, 4 couple years,, can put a clevo tgether with my eyes closed. Many of us aussies can,,, had a super gas (990) holden torana with clevo in the 90s.. im a dot older than u so glidden was my hero..... the point ive over the years had loose shock,, that sounded way worse than u think.. too many times,,,, so luv ya channel.. go the aussie cleveland.. i have blocks original not for sale luv em cya

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Thanks Mate for watching my channel. Yes blew me away. But all good. Sounds like you got a lot of experience with engines and cars. Just picked up old Jack Roush pro stock cleveland, dry sump based on XE block. Stay tuned

[@TheRdub82]

Beefy rear end for sure. Built to handle almost double the power. Was it the upper strut mount 🤔 at the end of the video 📹 🎥?? It sounds like that's what the noise could have been when you were decelerating and turning.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Yea sir looks strong as hell. It was the upper shock mount loose on left rear

[@johnelliott7375]

The carbon fiber is one of the stronger things that they make and it will definitely flex 💪 like plastic kinda, but I will say just as you said that they are going through break after such and such a #'s due to all the flexing it will eventually split, crack or just break. Good morning to you and I hope that it is is not too bad 😞

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

All good John thanks for watching. I think we’re good to go. Have a super duper day

[@22vampyre]

Got off easy!! 👍

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

It sure about easy, but off yes.

[@davidreed6070]

The best invention was the battery powered tool.Young guys dont know what we used to go through.

[@mistersniffer6838]

Actually wasnt that big a deal per say but ate a hella lot of time!!

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Yes definitely a great invention, battery powered baby

[@tomhowe1510]

No shit. Really. Always something.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Yep seriously Tom

[@dondotterer24]

Glad you found it. Looks like the diff fluid somehow got moisture heating up and cooling down over time?

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Maybe a bit. Some wear metal, but no chunks.

[@geneticrex]

Good news....

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Very good news for sure 👍

[@mistersniffer6838]

I noticed your front end is not coming off the ground any more. What did you do to fix that? Did the replacement rear leafs take care of that, or?

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

I did replace the rear leafs. Not doing wheel stands anymore, I tightened the front shocks rebound.

[@EdwardGaines-rw3pw]

Hey I’m Glad you found it .I know you probably have a use for it but will your older suspension work on a 1968 mustang. 😅 If so would you be interested in selling it to a guy who wants to go fast.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Hey Edward long time. Very Glad I found it. What suspension pieces are you looking for?

[@EdwardGaines-rw3pw]

@@DragBoss351Cleveland rear mono leaf springs

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

@EdwardGaines-rw3pw I have the original one that John and I worked on together 25 years ago, prototype Can’t let that go. Call Calvert’s and ask for Travis, tell him I sent you. I am working on a shock video and may have some that may work.

[@maximusvonce1381]

Is that a th400, or C4 transmission. What stall.? Guessing 550wheel. What's car weigh?

[@maximusvonce1381]

What rearend do you have...eaton trutrac

[@bobbybelcher6800]

yes I like Vic or Desantis but not Mark Rubio !

[@maximusvonce1381]

Guessing car weighs 3200lbs empty?

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

3123 with me

[@davecavender8227]

hahahahahah😄

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Yep, my bad

[@roberthill2219]

Two tire questions... what psi are you running and how come no bead screws or locks?

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

20 lbs, Drag radial slick, don’t need bead screws

[@roberthill2219]

@@DragBoss351Cleveland Most everyone around here runs 28s bias ply slicks with screws or beadlocks... people say that they are more constant then the radials... they obviously seen to be working for you...

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

@roberthill2219 I switched back in 2006 and never went back. You pick off a tenth from your 60ft.

[@mavman351]

Everything happens for a reason, so they say. Peace of mind knowing the rear end and tranny are good to go! Keep up the good work Tim. DBG for the win!

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Hopefully no issues with tranny, she seems perfect. Will test drive

[@walkitoffarizona887]

Amazing how much noise something like that can make ! Glad it’s simple !

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

I know it and to not know exactly where it was coming from.

[@nova467spanker]

@@DragBoss351Cleveland dang man alot of work for that. Well at least you got a sneak peak of how the rear end is holding up 👀

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

@nova467spanker lot of work, but good to know all good in rear. Nothing is easy in racing. lol

[@nova467spanker]

@@DragBoss351Cleveland defiantly man. glad your shock is an easy fix.

[@billfioretti3013]

Sometimes its the simplest thing. Rear was probably due for an inspection anyway. Sounded noisy from all the way over here in CT.😮 Peace of mind once she's back together. KItty will continue to rock and roll!

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Yes fluid was dirty with wear metals. But good otherwise. So back together it goes. Rock n roll is here to stay.

[@laurafreeze2861]

Noooooo Way. Wow. Well at least you get to nut an bolt everything while you have it apart. Hopefully that's all it was . Put it back together an do some more racinn when this Ohio weather decides you can.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Yes will get it together tomorrow. Be ready for Friday, supposed to be 60s. Thanks

[@danielnelson6712]

Good catch Drag Boss

[@UnityMotorSportsGarage]

At least it was a simple fix! I know you feel better now...

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

I do, but should have bounced the car, dang it. lol thanks

[@richardhall5942]

Glad to see it wasn't some $500 repair, and you'll be back to flogging the Cat soon!

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Yes Richard, just time and hard work

[@brracing7861]

16:29 Nice Find Tim. Its goid to check on the Rear Differential time to time. Ring and Pinion Pro gear set looks good but some wear has taken placr its normal with 9310 Nickle Gears. Meant to last 100-400 miles typically. Hard to tell how much backlash is present without a dial indicator used. I used to use thin gear oils but now prefer 85w140 myself it takes shock loads better and high operational temperature and extreme rpms mph. Redline is my choice of gear oils but I hear that Maxima Company makes great synthetic oils too.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Appreciated. Yes some wear but seems good to go. I have been using Lucas 80w90, and have good luck with that. This rear probably has 15-20 runs.

[@michaelclanton1152]

The cf drive shaft is outa my range but I did learn a lot about shaft rpm limit with the length.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

May make the investment in future.

[@mikeg4163]

Wonder how many nuts and bolts fell through that floor drain over the years….😊

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

I took off cover once and only 1 Rusty 1/4 inch, gave it to heave ho into the woods. lol

[@JamesGrates]

Omg dude that mimics a rear end problem oh well fresh rear fluid send it

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Yep not bad when you service the rear ens anyways. Omg for sure

[@MikePeter-Pro1racingLSR]

I never even heard the noise. Glad it was the shock my brother.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Mike thanks. It is right at the slow down and when I turn onto return road. Listen to it, may fool you too.

[@craigtuck1741]

thats great that you found that, glad it wasnt serious cant wait for more videos of the car at the strip Tim

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Me too Craig, wished I would checked before pulling rear apart

[@johnguilbert1349]

SOLID! Glad to see it was an easy fix!

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Solid as it gets, now what about my back, I have not even looked at the shock top yet 😳

[@mistersniffer6838]

Meh, it needed an oil change anyways!!

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

It sure did.

[@iggyfritz7150]

I'm shocked that's all it was

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

You and me both Iggy

[@keith6872]

Lots of money

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

No money, just time. Thanks Kieth

[@rogerstill719]

This is different than the video, but I was just wondering if you took the hood off,if it may be quicker (not that it's not quick enough) IT is awesome . Just a thought. How high do you turn it? I've always heard that 351 Cleveland's like RPM. Keep these AWESOME videos coming!!!

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

I don’t think hood off would knock down much ET, original hood was like 53 lbs and the fiberglass one is about 25. Thanks Roger. I go thru the traps at close to 8400. On the way.

[@rogerstill719]

@@DragBoss351Cleveland Hey, I wasn't referring to weight, I was thinking about airflow and maybe the hood acting as a choke.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

@rogerstill719 I get it now. I don’t want to go through all that now. Hopefully be back together today.

[@davidreed6070]

I use those tires and love em On my car,they hook better than any other on the street.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

That is a fact. Tenth off your 60.

[@HarryTGarlandIII]

2018 I was in the final round at Beaver Springs drag strip in PA, I lost the race because the shifter was in 2nd. When i got to the end of the track and made the left turn it made this noise similar to yours ONLY if you made a sharp left or right turn, loaded the car on the trailer. Put the car on the lift and first checked the front wheel and i found the source the left front wheel bearing (the inner)got caught on burr! I never saw that before!

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Yes Harry the little stuff. Hope no other issues. Glad you found the issue.

[@icetech6]

a few hours, some silicone and fresh stinky dope... things could be worse :)

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Yes sir, can always be worse. But all gods. Thanks so much.

[@brianspangenberg9598]

At least I it’s a cheap fix

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

For sure. My bad though, should bounced car and listened. Thanks

[@maximusvonce1381]

Damn 8400rpm. You must be running a massive drag solid roller cam and shaft rockers. Does bottom end suffer on the street. Carb or efi? That's a race car bro, not a street car...lol That is definitely a race cam

[@maximusvonce1381]

Whats car dyno at wheel, what are cam specs, what compression, transmission, rear gears?

[@edsmachine93]

Glad that your differential was ok Tim. Well you got to inspect it. Glad you found the problem. Have a great day.

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Thanks Ed, one of those , yep that’s it moments. Put back together, just ran my best 60 ft 1.25, with a 9.38 15 mile headwind. Hope you have the best day

[@maximusvonce1381]

Spool on the street...lol Come on bro that's a drag car not a street car. Turns must be scary on street...lol

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Nope, no big deal

[@randywachniak7023]

Isn't that something brother.......like you said ..... sometimes the simple things...kinda it is what it is hey