I have an automatic 1983 GMC and ever time I put it in drive or reverse it jerks or makes a funny sound

The jerk is the drive train, from transmission to rear wheels taking up the backlash. If your truck has a lot of miles, a lot of parts are worn. You might have the universal joints checked for wear. Other parts will be more expensive to replace.

thanks

do you also know why my truck keeps cutting out every time i floor it. i already schanged the spark plugs on it?

quote:

Originally posted by 1983 GMC:
thanks

do you also know why my truck keeps cutting out every time i floor it. i already schanged the spark plugs on it?

I sure don't KNOW why without looking at the engine, but here's a few guesses.

The engine is stalling because your truck has a carburetor with a worn accelerator pump. The accelerator pump counteracts the initial lean condition on wide open throttle. Have the pump checked. It should squirt xxx quantity of gas as the throttle is quickly pressed.

Another guess is the vacuum hoses or ignition advance are leaking. These leaks would allow too much air at initial WOT and stall the engine too. The vacuum advance is needed for the higher engine speed. As the rpms rise the ignition needs to be advanced in timing.

Another thought ... If the truck has vacuum leaks someone may have turned up the idle to compensate. This will contribute to the jerk (In your first post) because the transmission's torque converter is engaging at the higher RPM