Rear clank noise when under load, especially on hill.

Hi, curious if yall could help me out? A couple months back I bought an 04 4runner v6 4wd sport. Once i a while the there is a clank/pop sound in the back under the car. Almost a medal sound. This usually occurs when I am taking off from a hill or under load. It happens randomly and usually only once in each drive. Not super concerning but definitely want to narrow it down. Let me know. Thanks!

 

Does it sometimes happen when you come to a stop? Or when you take off from a stop? If so you may need to grease your slip joint on the drive shaft. It can feel like someone slightly bumped you from behind

 

No, it happens when I take off. Just loud and definitely not normal. For instance I reversed up a slight hill the other day, hit a small bump, and then the clank happened.

 

Sounds like a different problem than the drive shaft clunk. Sorry I'm no help

 

Something is loose. Maybe exhaust?

I had an old car that the rear diff would clank. But this sounds different.

 

Might be the brake pads, they tend to make a bit of a clanking noise sometimes. Mine always does it when backing out of the driveway. Does it on my Tacoma too, same brake design up front