Bad T5 tailshaft bushing

So, on my 82 GT, which I rarely drive, I recently noticed a loud clucking noise coming just from underneath the trans tunnel. I thought it was just the U-joints, so I checked them, though there wasn't any play, I replaced it anyway, drove it and noise was still there. The DS bolts are tightened to spec and are brand new, IRS center section has less than 20k off a buddy Cobra that has never been abused, whatsoever.

I investigated further and found a very minimal amount of play coming from where the slip yoke goes into the tailshaft. Is that an indication of a bad bushing?

Thanks in advance all

GDTrumbo said:

Is the outside diameter of the Cobra DS's trans yolk the same diameter as the OEM shaft's yolk?? Any tailshaft leakage evident? Bushing could be worn after all these years. Milage on car?

Make sure the E-brake workings above the DS in the DS tunnel are not making contact with the DS. Marks in DS?

GT

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I am using the FRPP DS even before I did the IRS swap, I just replaced the rear flange and u-joint to mate to the IRS, So the yoke is made for the T5.

No tailshaft leakage at all, fluid was replaced about 2k miles ago, the tranny itself has approx 60k off a buddy's dad car, not abused at all.

As for the parking brake stuff, I don't have the cables yet, so I took off everything underneath that was hanging down before installing the DS, and I check for clearance everywhere, no sign of any contact anywhere.

OK, Thanks for the info. I knew that could be it, but I needed some of you guys' opinion. So, I figured the tranny should be out of the car, but does anyone have a link or something that shows how to replace one? Thanks again SN!