Why is the clutch so clunky going into second?

I’ve noticed this since I bought the truck three months ago but it hasn’t really bothered me till today. I’ve seen discussion on how second gear on these 5 speed trucks are and I get it.

But does anyone know why or can explain it to me? I usually shift around 3k rpm give or take going into second, and it seems if I don’t gas up to that slowly, when I press the clutch in, it clunks really loud. The slower I gas up to second gear and the slower I press the clutch in, the less severe it is. Doesn’t seem to do this through any other gears.

Just would like some insight as to why it’s like this. I’m sure if it was an issue I would’ve blown my clutch awhile ago. It’s just kinda annoying to feel it on top of my clutch seems to have the infamous squeak I’ve also seen discussed here.

Also, picked up a cap today after three months of searching. It’s an older ARE Mpulse but it’s in decent shape and I got it for $400. Screened windows/carpeted. Not bad

 

Nice truck. I'm probably no help, just reassurance. Mine does the exact thing you describe. I've lived with it 6 years and 70,000 miles. 140k on the truck now clutch still grabs good, feels like it did when I bought it

The longer you drive it, the better you'll become at avoiding the clunk. Like you said, just accelerate easy when shifting into second, let the clutch out slow and easy.

I had a buddy that had an 09 that didn't do it. His tranny was so smooth shifting...I was almost jealous when I drove it but that truck was beat to hell and had some other problems. It was previously owned by a cattle farmer that drove cows with it...

Nice truck btw!

*I lived with the squeak too for a couple years till it finally went away. Some problems fix themselves!*

 

Thanks, I expect it to be a non issue as many other people have mentioned they experience it too. Truck is about to roll 65k.
My squeak also comes and goes but I’d say it’s there about 75% of the time. I’m thinking I should grease the pivot points eventually and see if that helps, although that was done 3 months ago when I bought it. Only slightly embarrassing at stoplights

 

Change the transmission lube to Redline MT90 and I’ll bet that you get a smoother shift

 

Look into axle wrap.
Your clunk is most likely the pinion dropping down after becoming unloaded (clutch in). This is why it's more pronounced in the lower gears and less pronounced accelerating gently.


MT90 in the trans isn't a bad idea either, lots of the 6sp guys do it (like me). Won't help the axle wrap though.

 

I’ll take a look into it. Drove around town today a bit and didn’t really notice any clunk. Just seems to be when I ricky bobby it from a stop

 

Try the clutch accumulator delete.

 

Mine also does the same thing, and has done it since the day I bought it at 56k to 131k now. I find accelerating to 23-2800 and then actuating the clutch slowly, and shifting gears slowly make for the smoothest transition. Slow shifting and slow clutch actuation seems to be the ticket for smooth shifts for me throughout the gear set. I also run MT-90 and while I think it's made a marginal improvement I think it is not as big a deal as some make it out to be.