Drive shaft problems. Need ideas, suggestions or insight...

[guava]

My problem is there is play in the driveshaft. Its rotational, meaning when I shift into drive or reverse, the 'slack' is taken up pretty harshly and it appears to be getting worse. I assume that means that whatever is worn is getting worse and I need to get it fixed before it blows apart.



I really can't tell whether its in the transfer case or in the rear diff. Whats most common? What should I hope it is?



By getting under the truck and rotating the shaft by hand, it probably goes between 1/4 and 3/8 inch both ways. I sense there is more play at the transfer case than the rear end if that is possible.



Both U-joints are good and there is no play there at all. So much for an easy fix.



HELP!! Where to start? I really don't want to have the truck down for a long time. Any past tricks to make the repair or replacement easier?



Thanks... .

 

[Graphic man]

I believe there is an adjustment in the T-case.

you may need to check the back lash in the rear end, to adjust back lash you will need a Dial indicator and the specs on the lash, and maybe a new crush sleeve also.





Scott

 

[ARhine]

Mine was that way. Had spit all the shims out on the ring gear side of the case in the rear axle. $500 later it is rolling again. New master install kit, new case, some sleeve retainer loctite, little labor and crossed fingers. Pull your cover and check yours out.



Some slack in the tcase is normal, don't know how to say what is excessive.



Threre is a coupler between the tcase splines and the trans splines that can wear out.



If it has a two piece driveshaft check the slip in the middle of it for slack.



Andy

 

[guava]

Progress.



I pulled the drive shaft. One of the u-joint cups that looked good from the outside ended up having a good amount of play. While its out, its off to balance.



I also pulled the inspection plate off the transfer case and at least visually, things appears as they should. Fluid is clean and appears to have been serviced recently.



I'll be pulling the rear cover off later today after I get the drive shaft back.



Thanks for the help. I really don't want to stick 500 bucks into the rear diff.



As long as i'm working on the driveline front to back, let me add to my concerns. The shifting of the auto transmission seems to be really harsh. If I'm just feathering the throttle travelling lightly and slowly in traffic as an example. Shifts from first to second in particular is almost like slamming into gear. If I accelerate firmly up to speed though, it doesn't do it at all and seems like a normal shift.



It drives great and gets 21 MPG on the highway and 19 in town. I don't know the history of the transmission but there appears things have been serviced and or repaired.



The transmission does not slip at all and I typically don't drive it hard. I do get on the road for long trips in it.

 

[Moab4x4]

Driveshaft splines

I had the thunk problem with my rear driveline and it turned out to be worn where the slip yoke and the splines meet. Driveline repair shop time. Quoted ~150 for the repair. On the list to fix.

 

[DVolk]

Drive shaft problems

My guess is the yokes are goingg bad

I had to replace my rear driveline because the ends of the driveline started to egg shape



then a while later the yokes went south , go with aftermarket u bolt style



a heck of a lot better