Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) slop in drivetrain

[JDKammin]

I have a 1996 Ram 4x4 diesel with the 5 speed transmission. I bought this truck a couple of years ago. It has always had some play in the drivetrain. I jacked up the rear axle last week and there is normal backlash in the rear axle. Moving forward, there is a small amount of play in the splines of the two piece driveshaft. I can then turn the driveshaft back and forth and get majority of the play at the transfer case. At first, I was thinking chain in the transfer case, but that should only affect when in 4WD. Is there something that could be worn in the transfer case that I am not thinking about or could it be a hub or splines in the clutch. The transmission shifts fine, but not ruling that out, either. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[SRehberg]

I've got the exact same issue but I have a one piece driveline due to a Gear Vendor's OD unit. Thinking the driveshaft was the issue, I had a new one made. Nope, it seems most of the play originates in the transfer case or 5spd. I wonder if we just notice it more with a manual trans than with an automatic? We have a Jeep with the manual trans and if the shift is less than perfect, i. e. a little abrupt, there is some play/noise in its transfer case, so maybe it's normal? I'll be interested to see other poster's remarks.

 

[JDKammin]

I have had other manual transmissions and none have been this bad. I even notice the slop with the cruise on and it has to compensate for a hill. I was driving it in the rain today and can easily get the tires to lose traction, but then felt something like a tooth on a gear or spline slipping a tooth. I did not hear any noise. This may be the posi in the rear differential.

 

[SRehberg]

That much slack sure doesn't sound right, mine only does it when I let the clutch out a little fast instead of a little softer on shifts. Hopefully someone on TDR will have some experience with this and have an idea.