rear drive shaft play

[MidwestSS]

Hey all
Andrew and I were looking at my truck to determine where my clunk is.
Andrew noticed how much play was in the rear drive shaft..
anyone know how much play should be in that shaft??

[Duct_tape123]

Bad u-joint?

[MidwestSS]

no.. im talkin about at the transfer case side.

[oleshifty]

more technical description:


The u joints are all super tight. There is a good 1/4 inch of play on the rear driveshaft where it goes into the transfer case. The rear transfer case seal is facing outwards and clearly stretched from the shaft moving around(i thought they went inwards, but I could be wrong). More play with truck on ground, less with the rear end hanging loose (and frame on stands).


on my 2wd, the driveshaft doesn't move at all when inserted into the trans tailshaft. (with truck sitting on ground). Wasn't sure if maybe the AWD's have a little more 'slop' in them, because his front shaft has about 1/16 inch of play (not nearly as much as the rear...but still noticeable)

[Duct_tape123]

Bad bearings on the output shafts?

[oleshifty]

that's what I was thinking.... not sure if it's worth trying to replace them


OR just swap transfers...since he already got a new (used) one