Luke -- it's been my experience that shot r.t.a. bushings will clunk upon takeoff. What I've done is to get into a driveway/parking lot and take of in first, stop, take off in reverse, stop, take off in first, etc., several times to isolate the noise. Drive with your head sideways (hence the driveway/parking lot) to echo-locate front/rear. Perhaps someone in the back seat or standing outside near the rear wheel well can confirm your observations.

The clunk is a dull thud.

Replacement is within the means of the shade tree mechanic. Good bushings (and get *good* ones -- don't waste your money on cheap ones) from IPD, RPR, or Volvo will set you back about $80 for the pair. It's far better to get those than to get the $35 look-alikes which will wear out in a year. Then you need to come up with the extraction/insertion tool. Some folks have fabricated their own at home (there are plans on the web somewhere), but I've always rented the tool from Duane Hoberg. Rental costs approx. $40 plus shipping. So you're in for about $125 and several hours of forearm muscle-building work. Far cheaper than having it done professionally.

Rob Kuhlman