Free Play Rear end??

[jesserose17]

My 94 rear-end has about 1/8" free play at the rear end yoke (driveshaft) and about 3/8" free play at the tires. Is this normal? It currently has 111K miles - has 2.73 limited slip. I don't have any expierence with rear ends - I seem to remember tech articles about installing gears and backlash measured in thousands of inch (.0008 to .0010) and therefore, shouldn't be any freeplay? Am I correct with that assumption?

 

[RIO5.0]

What your describing is common....having what feels like alot of slop when you check it that way, wheels on...what your seeing/feeling is backlash in the axle and spider gears..if its not making and noises..its fine.

the measurements you speak of are at the actual gear with the dif opened up while setting it up....a whole different ball game...

 

[jesserose17]

Vibration

Great... thanks for the explaination. Looks like I'd need to replace the driveshaft - been getting slight, but noticable vibration at certain rpms, especially around 1500 while driving.

 

[AznStanger3v]

Great... thanks for the explaination. Looks like I'd need to replace the driveshaft - been getting slight, but noticable vibration at certain rpms, especially around 1500 while driving.

if getting vibrations, always start at the balance of your wheels. no sense in spending unneeded money

 

[RIO5.0]

if getting vibrations, always start at the balance of your wheels. no sense in spending unneeded money

Good point...usually a bad DS will give tell tale signs its heading out....excessive "clang" when put in gear, a "tick" at low speeds and when going round corners at low speeds will usually be the U joints....

 

[jesserose17]

if getting vibrations, always start at the balance of your wheels. no sense in spending unneeded money

Yes, I agree... however, I have balanced my wheels a few times since then, did not make any difference, even with new tires. I've replaced the harmonic balancer cuz the rubber was coming out, but it didn't make any difference... that's why I am focusing on my driveshaft. I took a look today and I found a mark on the driveshaft, likely from hitting something... as well the mufflers - probably from Previous Owner. That could upset the balance especially if driveshaft was hit hard enough, right?

 

[jesserose17]

Good point...usually a bad DS will give tell tale signs its heading out....excessive "clang" when put in gear, a "tick" at low speeds and when going round corners at low speeds will usually be the U joints....

U joints was my first suspect... but I've checked them out, seems to be in good shape. No clang when put in gear... just vibrations while going straight, mostly noticeable around 1500 rpm... regardless of which gear.

 

[RIO5.0]

Sounds like you checked it out....Add a Alum DS to the list...

 

[jesserose17]

Sounds like you checked it out....Add a Alum DS to the list...

My first thought ... thanks!