Excessive rotational play in drive shaft

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Winchymatt
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Joined: Sun May 25, 2025 9:31 pm
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Excessive rotational play in drive shaft

Post by Winchymatt »

Hi,

I’ve noticed a clonking sound when driving my pickup when loading/unloading the engine, and I think I’ve narrowed it down to what looks like 30 degrees of free rotation on the drive shaft. I think this is supposed to be in the realm of 2 to 5 degrees? I’ve taken a look at the UJ and it looks sold and free from play, next I inspected the half shafts, they look good to me although one does have a witness mark on it. So I’m left thinking it’s the differential gears?

I guess I can drop the drive shaft off and see if the play still exists but any thoughts / advice appreciated.

Divers side
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Passenger side
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