'87 4000 Quattro CLUNK!

[Christopher Flanner]

I don't mean to sound ungrateful to anyone that gave me advice.  Here 
are some additional thoughts.

I have seen many letters in the archive with the identical problem to 
mine.  The advice is almost always to check the rear differential and 
subframe bushings.  I have checked all bushings, ball joints, and tie-
rod ends mine and they are in good shape.  I can't believe that this is 
a rare problem because I have two 4kq's and they both have the exact 
same clunk.

There is one archived letter inparticular which describes my problem 
well.  It is at http://www.audifans.com/archives/1998/09/msg00069.html 

The advice to him was to check his rear diffential mounts.  In addition 
to his problem, I should add that if the driveshaft is twisted quickly, 
there is a metallic "ping" sound.

I took the car to a mechanic today.  He drove it, put it on the lift, 
and told me that it was a bad driveshaft and needed to be replaced.  
Before I fork out $500 for a rebuilt shaft, I want to confirm this 
solution.

I have never seen a letter on the list that said that a new driveshaft 
had cured their clunk problem.  Those who have said their clunk was 
fixed have had a bad mount or bushing as a problem.

Could someone with a non-clunking 4000 Quattro PLEASE check to see if 
their driveshaft has about 5 degrees of slop and pings if you rotate it 
with a quick jerk?

I'm so frustrated that I'm considering just selling my two 4000s and 
buying a new S4.  (If I happen upon $30,000 laying in the street, that 
is.)

Thanks in advance,
Chris Flanner