I get the sound of a muted bell, very slight, when shifting into reverse or from reverse to drive with my auto tranny. Seems like it's always been there, can't tell if its getting worse because I only recently started paying attention to it. Does anyone know what this might be?
thanks

 

My best guess would be that you need to lube the slip-joint in the driveshaft. If it gets dry, from infrequent, or non-existant lubing, it can make a noise like you described.

The driveshaft is a hollow tube, which can amplify the noise a bit, making it loud enough to hear.

 

thats what i was thinking the driveline. how much slop is there in the rearend.

 

I get that "ping" sound as well when I shift into reverse.

 

Chances are, if you are getting a 'bell' ring from the driveshaft when shifting from forward to reverse or the opposite, you are too late for lubing the u-joints. Most likely you need at least one replaced. If there is enough play for the joint to create an impact ring when changing directions, it is to late for grease.

 

I get that kick that jerks the whole vehidcle when I shift from R to D or D to R.

 

the only regular lubing I've done since owning the vehicle is the Zerks (oil change place does it). Whats the prognosis Dr? How long does this part have to live now?

 

Even though they were lubed by the oil change place (assuming they actually did it), lubrication is not a guarantee that a mechanical part will not fail. Especially with u-joints, there are many variables that will affect joint life. Not all of which can be controlled. If yours have in fact started to go bad, it is only a matter of time before it goes from a simple 'bell' to a clank, vibration, and if left long enough possible catastrophic failure. The earlier you replace bad ones, the less likely that damage can be done to the yokes.

That being said, I wouldn't let it go more than 3-4 weeks before replacing them. And I did mean them. I always recommend that if one is bad, replace both ends while the drive shaft is out. The other one can't be far behind as far as wear goes.