There are two driving shafts in the transmission. You can call one
input shaft and the other output shaft. The output shaft drives the
ring gear and the drive shaft and CV joints. With the gears set in
neutral the output shaft is not spinning. So the noise really can not
be from the CV joints. It is probably a shattered sleeve on the input
shaft that connects the main shafts in the bell housing and the main
shaft in the gear box. Or there is something in the gear box. If it is
the sleeve I am extremely lucky. It can be easily replaced. I have had
a chattering clutch for many years. The sleeve may be worn badly then
finally gave up.

It broke before I try Scott's suggestion to give the clutch a good
grinding. It is a used trans I put on several years ago. I anticipated
the break down so it was not a total surprise to me.

David

--- Karl Mullendore <groups@westyventures.com> wrote:

> I would have someone else sit in the driver's seat while the engine is
> running and tranny being engaged (forward only!), then look underneath
> at the tranny to see if either output flange of axle is turning. Still
> sounds like a CV joint could be a possibility. After this check, THEN
> you can say tranny for sure (or not).
>
> Karl
>
> David Kao wrote:
> > Yes, it makes bad clunking noise even in neutral as soon as I start to
> > release the pedal. It's only as good as a core now.
>
>

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