I've an '85 244, 4 sp w/OD w/171K miles that makes noises only after it's been driven for about 20 minutes. It will clunk underneath while in 2nd or 3rd (never in 1st or 4th) and when I push in the clutch the noises stop. Additionally, again only after it has been driven for about 20 minutes, I'll stop, put it in reverse and it will clunk and when I stop it will groan. You'd think my brick was alive. Otherwise it runs well, shifts smoothly, etc. The following have been replaced in the last 12 months: engine and tran mounts, driveline's center support and bearing, struts and shocks. A Volvo tech recently inspected underneath and found the bad engine mounts and I thought that's gotta be it. The mounts were replaced but the symptoms persist. He said the u-joints were good. Could they be the culprits?
Your ideas will most appreciated.
Thanks,
Dukester

Really strange set of circumstances! Universal joints usually let their distress be known in first gear, on hard acceleration, or when negotiating an incline. Basically anytime you are requesting more torque. So, you can make the noise go away by basically disengaging the tranny? I'd lean toward something in the clutch (the fork?) or something in the tranny. I'd do a partial change on the tranny fluid and see if you have any metal shimmer in the fluid. Other than that...I dunno...

Hope this helps,

Chris