Rear Driveshaft too loose at transfer case entry?

[Superdawg]

After having the differential carrier bearings replaced (see other thread w/ that title) I have noticed a little vibration. Similar to what I had before in the other thread but much shorter in duration.
177k, stock suspension. Short bed, one piece driveshaft.
Zero to 5 mph and turning, I get a about a 1/2 to one second vibration or buzzing in the seat of my pants and throttle.
I was considering taking off the rear driveshaft and replacing the original u joints (177k) just to get that off the table. I crawled under and shook the rear shaft around. Where the rear shaft enters the transfer case, it rattles around a little if you shake it. Is that normal? It's been missing that rubber dust cover for a few years. I have a new one and was just waiting for shaft removal to put it in. Under the high torque of a turn at low speed, would that bounce around?
I also have the aftermarket transfer case mount to the cross member. I think it does transfer vibrations quicker/better to the driver. Maybe a good thing, maybe not.
On the other hand, maybe it is my AA limited slip grabbing a bit much on turning causing the vibe or shudder.

 

[Superdawg]

I'm trying to cover my bases before I go back to the differential shop and have them look at it.

 

[Superdawg]

I would say the up and down movement at the shaft (at the round counterweight?) is 1/16" to 1/8". Normal for the sliding yoke?

 

[Ozymandias]

No way you get a vibration from the driveshaft at that low speed, it's barely turning then.

Play at the TC output should almost be Zero, there is a tiny little that can be measured, but when you say 1/16 to to 1/8 that's way to much.

 

[Ozymandias]

By the way I'm not a fan of that TC mount.
The TC isn't meant at all to work as an anchor for the Engines torque. For this are the Engine mounts.
The guy that invented that mount didn't really think it through....

 

[Superdawg]

Thanks for the input Ozzy. I added the TC support after the trip in August 2020. I read some of the complaints and understand. On the other hand it is a little strange there is an incredible amount of outboard weight with the tranfer case hanging out past the transmission subject to all that torque. Of course, instead of the TC bouncing around I focused all that movement on that additional TC support attached to the cross member. I have mixed feelings...

 

[Blakers]

There is a bushing at the rear driveshaft. Mines's worn and slings oil out. New seal didn't help. But I plan on pulling the TC and rebuilding it soon anyway.

 

[bcbender]

You can replace that bushing without pulling the T/C. Simply remove the extension housing and press it out, press in a new one and seal and done... I did it on my 04 when it was leaking all over the bed.... No rust tho.

 

[Blakers]

You can replace that bushing without pulling the T/C. Simply remove the extension housing and press it out, press in a new one and seal and done... I did it on my 04 when it was leaking all over the bed.... No rust tho.

Thanks! That's a good suggestion. Mine has leaked for years and does help rustproof. I run 50 wt in it and I add some every 6 months. I've got internal issues with my transfer case (loud popping noises if pulling hard in 4x4) so I am going to pull it out and open it up. 318,000 miles and probably needs a chain.

 

[Blakers]

I completely rebuilt my NV271 transfer case and installed it Monday. Works great. Chain was stretched and jumping teeth. New chain, sprockets, bearings and seals. Just over $500 from Torque King. That output shaft bushing is in the tail housing. Remove tail housing and press old out and new in.