72 Challenger - 318 - 904 (I have no history or details on the trans)

The car started making a pecking sound when in gear or neutral. The sound reminded me of a loose rocker arm. I noticed that the car only made the sound when not in park. My thought was loose converter bolt or bent inspection plate. I was dropping my wife off at work and an old time mechanic hollered that my fly wheel was loose. I checked the converter bolts and sure enough one was stripped. I repaired it but the sound persisted. The inspection plate was good too. Dropped the trans and all the flexplate bolts were tight. When I took the converter out of the trans I noticed a clunking sound in the converter. I can shake the converter (not violently either) and there is definitely something moving inside. Is this normal?

My plans are to install a transgo kit and new converter if you guys agree that the converter is most likely the source of the noise. The trans isn't slipping and seems to operate fine.

I would also appreciate converter recommendations. Warm 318 street driven, 2.76 gears. I'm thinking 2200-2400 or so stall?

Thanks

Randy

something is wrong with that converter. You should not hear anything moveing around inside. I would not drive the car with it installed any more. Mopar starter ring gear is part of converter. If converter comes apart it's like a chain saw ripping through the floor. Get a new converter and good aftermarket flex plate. For your combo i'd think something around 2400 stall would be good.

When not installed on the trans the stator is loose inside the converter and will make a noise when the converter is shaken, once the converter is installed the stator is held in place by the reaction shaft.