i have the 11.5 rearend and when it downshifts when stopping from 2nd to first there is a poping sound

does not do it all the time

it is the ls and i have never had one before and i am just wondering is the the nature of the beast or do i need it checked out

could it possible be a universal joint

 

While some of this is normal I'd have it checked. Especially with all the recent talk of rear end troubles. Sounds like you could have a backlash out of spec.

 

I've heard nothing about rear-end troubles. I'd definitely get it checked out......

 

Mine has done this since new, worse when I get off the interstate after a good run and turn a corner. You'd think it was going to bind up and stop. Over 40k. I thought it was the nature of the AAM ltd slip axles?

 

Mine does not make and noise at all at this point. Most times you'll hear the "popping" as it was referred to when shifting from drive to reverse in an auto. For the most part this is normal as is the sound when letting off the throttle to a coast at times. What is not normal is if its consistant. Most of this can be traced back to pinion depth and backlash adjustments. Again, some is normal but if its excessive then it should be documented at the dealership at the very least. JMO.

When I referred to rear end troubles earlier I was referring to the various discussions regarding the chaging of the ring and pinions as a fix for the dreaded 65 to 70 vibration. According to some of the posts this helped. In others there was no change.

Again if the clanking in the rear is not excessive then its most likely normal. Too much though will ultimitly lead to other issues such as premature ring and or pinion failure.