ok i think i have my u-joints pinned down as to my clunking during shifting problem.  also i'm pretty sure they're the culprits in my mystery noise while driving.  it's a ticking noise that varies with speed. 

but now i'm wondering about my cv's.  i have a clunking noise when i turn full lock.  this is when i'm in 2wd not sure about 4wd.  i've read that the cv's won't have any bearing on things when i'm turning in 2wd so would my clunk be from something else like wheel bearings? 

i think i can get u-joints for around $20 but what should i expect to pay for the rest? 
cv joints-$$$
wheel bearings-$$$

thanks in advance
mike

ok so i gave my u-joints a visual inspection and they're not brand new but they're not in horrible shape either.  they felt pretty tight also.  no slop other than being able to slightly turn the 2wd drive shaft a little bit(just barely moves).  should the drive shaft have a little play in it or should it be tight.  the transmission was in the neutral position also when i checked it if that matters at all. 

so any ideas if i should look into the u-joints more and maybe what to look for with them? 

thanks guys... sorry for being such a newbie

mike

You want absolutely ZERO play in the joints.. The drive shaft will have a little play, but it can't be coming from the u-joints.. You have a little backlash in the pinion to ring, but not much at all.. and again, some back lash out of the transfer case, again, not much.. but you want he joints TIGHT.

If you have even the slightest play in your u-joints they will go south in a hurry..

You have to get under there and really look closely when you inspect them and move the shaft.  Sometimes one of them is so tight, that you can't get any play from the other. I find it helpful to jack the rear-end off the ground and have someone turn a tire back and forth, with the vehicle in gear, while I get under and watch the joints for play.. Just reaching under and trying to turn the shaft will rarely show you the whole story.