I hearing a loud thump or a clapping noise when I drop the throttle to shift from first to second gear. It actually sounds more like a slap or something, but it comes from behind me probably around the tranny area. Does anyone know why the car is doing this and what problems could it mean?

 

could be broken mount on diff or bad U joints

 

I checked those and they were fine, is there anything else it could be, it's only in the first to second shift and it is A VERY LOUD clap.

 

anyone?

 

It is difficult to diagnose U joint failures early. Simply twisting not effective. As a general rule a thump/clang is lower gears is the front joint, in higher gears the rear joint. Suspect the front U joint if you only hear it going from 1st to 2nd.

 

Alright, I'll try that. Thanks for the reply.

 

Oh I just reread your reply, are you saying that the U joint indeed has not yet failed, but that it will fail soon?