Backlash Clunking Noise

A loud clunk noise upon acceleration and deceleration could be caused by the following components (or in combination):
- Differential pinion mate gear shaft-to-differential case bore.
- Axle shaft splines-to-differential side gear splines.
- Differential side gear hub-to-differential case counter-bore.
- Differential side gears-to-pinion gears.
- Worn thrust washers.
- Excessive ring gear backlash.

Measure the clearances, inspect the components and replace as required (or, if applicable, adjust to specifications).