"Clunk" when shifting into reverse on hill

I drive a 2012 DCLB Sport with an automatic transmission. I have noticed a "clunk" (for lack of a better descriptor) when shifting into reverse on a downward slope (backing out of a steep driveway for example). Could this be a transmission issue or perhaps it has something to do with the driveshaft disconnect that the previous owner installed? Thanks

 

My guess is driveshaft...

 

I'm no mechanic, or expert by any means, but I think this is normal. I think shifting out of park on any incline will result in a "clunk" as you described. I experienced the same thing parking on hills and I also don't like it.

Automatic transmissions have a parking pawl that is essentially a rod that locks your transmission when it is in park, thus preventing your car from rolling away. The steeper the incline you are parked on, the more stress on the parking pawl and the more noticable it will be when it disengages when you shift out of park. To alleviate this, I always engage the parking brake before I put the truck in park, or at least before I take my foot off the brake after shifting into park. This allows the parking brake to do all the work, so to speak, in keeping your truck from rolling, and takes the load off the parking pawl. At least this is how I understand it. Someone please chime in if I'm off base.

 

Looks like you covered the subject well.

 

Especially important if pulling a trailer loaded with a boat up a steep incline. The method of allowing the parking brake to take the weight vs. your transmission is kinda important over the long haul.

 

Every auto trans driver should read this. Well said.

 

Just found this illustration on quora.com:

When you're parked without the parking brake on, the tip of the parking pawl is all that's keeping your vehicle from rolling.