Slack in Drive Line

BrianAnderson · Sep 25, 2007

Since I bought my truck @ 125,000 miles, I have had some slack in the drive line somewhere. When I take off and when I stop, I can feel the play. If I put the trans in nuetral while coming to a stop, it doesn't do it.

I have read about the slip joint on the drive shaft being dry, but others described it as a clunk. I don't hear anything, just can feel it it. Like a jerk when taking off and stopping.

Is the drive shaft slip joint where I need to look? Or do I have bigger problems?

Thanks,
Brian

BrianAnderson · Sep 27, 2007

I took the drive shaft out this morning, it seems that the slack is in the rear differetial. How much slack is normal in the diff?

Thanks,
Brian

ford_doctor · Sep 27, 2007

That slack is called backlash. To measure it it you need to remove the cover, clean the oil from the gears and set up a dial indicator. In my opinion, these rears are a Little sloppy but if there is no damage, no noise and the backlash is within specifications you should not make any changes.

Why did you remove the drive shaft? Typical complaints are clunking during engagement and a thump felt during take-off. Common issues are caused by transmission engagement concerns and drive shaft slip-yoke binding.

BrianAnderson · Sep 28, 2007

I removed the rear drive shaft because I had intentions of lubing the slip yoke. Once I took the drive shaft loose just behind the carrier bearing, I noticed there was 20 times the play in the differintial that there was in the slip yoke. The slip yoke had very minimal play that I think is normal. I am sure a little grease wouldn't hurt, but I don't think that is the problem.

I feel the thump when taking off and stopping. Would a tranny engagement problem let me feel the thump when stopping?

Thanks,
Brian

Slack in Drive Line

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