Tranny/Driveshaft/Rear end play?

[C0V3R]

I'm in the process of changing the fluid in the c4 and have noticed that I can rotate the driveshaft a noticeable amount while in park. It seems to rotate roughly the same amount at each end indicating some play in both the tranny and the rear. Other than occasional thunking into gear when theres no load (eg shifting into 3rd @ 30mph, or going from reverse to drive) there arent any real problems, though there is occasional quiet diff whine @ 60-70.

How much play is ok, what possible problems could it cause and what are the fixes?

 

[93lx50conv]

Sounds like it could be your u joints, dont let it go too long as it can further damage your drivetrain.

 

[GaPonyFarm]

Some play in the rotation is normal...about an inch or so from center... I doubt that you have anything abnormal going on, but checking U-Joints is always a good idea when you're under the car anyway.. its also a good opportunity to lube them.

Good luck sealing the pan gasket back up... Thats always been a real pain for me.

 

[C0V3R]

It doesnt seem to be in the uni joints, the tailshaft yoke and the diff yoke both move (the uni joints dont however) when you turn the driveshaft by hand. I'll try putting it in neutral tomorrow to see how far the diff end can be turned.

Assuming its play in the diff, can it be adjusted out?

 

[vrooom]

mine too

Yeah mine does something similar when I put it into drive.
I can have the brakes pressed hard and the engine will be at idle, but when I put it into reverse it do the THUD sound.

 

[GaPonyFarm]

It can't be adjusted out, nor would you want it to be.. You need a little give in the drive train. Stop worrying about it and go to the next problem... I know you have at least one! I get a new one everyday and mine is stored on jackstands...