[DeTomaso] Clunking noise

[JDeRyke at aol.com]

Most such noises are indeed the u-joints, and are easy to check without 
getting hands dirty. Take out the trunk insert and have someone put the car in 
gear and let out the clutch slowly while you watch closely. You may have to 
do this numerous times. If an inboard yoke near the ZF moves well before the 
other parts of the halfshaft, the inboard u-joint is toast. You may even 
hear a click as the slack is taken up. 
Or, if there's a shiny ring under a snap-ring in one of the yokes, that's 
an indication that cap is rotating due to failing needle bearings. U-joints 
are cheap and can be replaced at home with common tools. If a total failure 
of a u-joint occurs while driving, figure on a second mortgage to fix the 
resulting damage. Good luck- JDeryke