New to me '92 4x4 manual trans. Truck is super solid for the most part but one thing that bothered me was when shifting into 1st or reverse, there was a noticeable thud. Not really audible but I could feel it in the seat. A buddy of mine suggested I replace the shifter lever ball seat and bushing which I did (Marlin Crawler kit, and yes, the OE seat and bushing were SHOT). The thud is not nearly as bad now but here's what bothers me:

• The thud is still there and IDK if its a motor mount or transmission mount issue (my '95 honda civic had this common problem and its usually the motor mount). Also...
• After putting in that new kit the shifting is much, MUCH tighter, way less slop and very firm engagement. Problem now is there a bit of gear clash when shifting through the gears. Not a grind or anything audible but again, can feel it in the shifter lever.

So I'd like to fix the thud issue but dont know where the most reasonable place to start is. Secondly the gear clash drives me nuts. I would've rather had sloppy lever action and no clash like prior to changing out that bushing.

 

Crawl under the truck and look !!! All part of a new to you vehicle .

I never bought one that did not take a $1000.00 in parts to get caught up on what the seller thought was a well maintained vehicle.

Then you could just replace every bushing in the suspension and drive train

It could be any place shot bushings on the rear springs

Broken Shock mount or worn or missing bushing

Bad u joints / Center bearing/ very worn differential

 

That "Thud" is probably a bad clutch that is not fully releasing. I have not seen a used stick vehicle being sold that did not need a clutch job. Ground flywheel, disk, & pressure plate. Also check the mount under the xfer case, those like to fail.