More Newbie Questions!

[freestyle]

Now enjoying my 96 Rav-4 GX but have a couple of questions to ask:

1) Are the gear boxes usually "clunky"? (best way i can describe it :P)

2) When going over big speed humps i hear a noise that in an everyday car i would normally associate with the tyres rubbing against the inner arch, obviously this cant be the case (i hope), any ideas as to what it could be? (could it be the larger tyres?? never owned a 4x4 before)

[JonRav4]

We also have a '96, original owners. The trans is smooth and quick. Not sure if you are confusing quick for chunky.

Stock tires are 215/70/16, or smaller. Check your size, could be overzized. Also check the wheel wells for rubbing.