Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) slop in drive train

[Moe]

I seem to have an awful amount of slop in the drive train while getting off and back on the throttle. Setting still with the transmission in neutral doesnt produce any slop. Applying torque against the brake with the engine running doesnt show any broken mounts either. OK guy's,any ideas what to check next?

 

[ChillyDog]

I have had the same promlem with my '97 since I bought it. It is really noticable while in 5th gear with quick on off throttle movements. I have had the transmission rebuilt with the new fully splined main shaft and the problem is still there but it never seems to get any worse. I have just decided to live with it and hope if something fails it doesn't do major damage.

 

[LarryB]

If you want to make it a little worse, add a 2speed. All those parts in the drivetrain need clearence and it all adds up to slop.

 

[Robin]

Driveline slop

Originally posted by LarryB

If you want to make it a little worse, add a 2speed.

Yer right. With a 4WD truck, in fifth gear, and a two speed auxiliary in overdrive, you have several places that introduce slop.



First, the clutch splines, then the main shaft gear to the counter shaft gear, the fifth wheel gear spline and synchronizer, the fifth gear to the output gear.



Next the auxiliary transmission input spline, the input gear to the planetary gears, the planetary gears to the output gear.



Next the transfer case input spline, and the direct coupling and synchronizer. Following this the output shaft spline to the front universal. At the rear axle, the pinion gear to the ring gear, the spider gears and the axle splines. Did I miss anything? I'm assuming there is negligible play in the U-joints. If you have a two piece rear drive shaft, there is another U-joint and spline.



This all adds up to a lot of slop which is the nature of the beast. Gotta live with it.



BTW, when I installed the U. S. Gear auxiliary transmission, I replaced the two piece rear drive shaft with a one piece. This took all the launch shudder out of the truck.



Bob

 

[Deezul1]

Moe

I have a 97 with 160,000 and had a 96 with more than that and both have slop. I found on my 2 trucks it was ring and pinion play. If it doesnt make noise dont worry about it. Crawl under it with it in neutral and the brake on engine off and twist the drive shaft, i think you will find the shaft will turn back and forth a fair amount and if so thats where its coming from.