• Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech

Tranny/Driveshaft/Rear end play?

  • Thread starter Thread starter C0V3R
  • Start date Start date Feb 2, 2004
C

C0V3R

Member
Feb 14, 2003
524
0
16
Australia
Feb 2, 2004
#1
  • Feb 2, 2004
  • #1
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?
 
9

93lx50conv

New Member
May 27, 2003
123
0
0
Easton PA 18045
Feb 2, 2004
#2
  • Feb 2, 2004
  • #2
Sounds like it could be your u joints, dont let it go too long as it can further damage your drivetrain.
 
G

GaPonyFarm

New Member
Jan 2, 2004
663
0
0
Columbus, GA
Feb 2, 2004
#3
  • Feb 2, 2004
  • #3
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.
 
C

C0V3R

Member
Feb 14, 2003
524
0
16
Australia
Feb 2, 2004
#4
  • Feb 2, 2004
  • #4
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?
 
V

vrooom

New Member
Apr 17, 2003
139
0
0
Midwest
Feb 2, 2004
#5
  • Feb 2, 2004
  • #5
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.
 
G

GaPonyFarm

New Member
Jan 2, 2004
663
0
0
Columbus, GA
Feb 2, 2004
#6
  • Feb 2, 2004
  • #6
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...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Drivetrain Rear end clunk
  • seanmahoney
  • Oct 13, 2025
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech
Replies
3
Views
418
SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech Oct 13, 2025
nickyb
3
Eight inches is enough for me...
  • 351MooseStang
  • Nov 27, 2025
  • 1974 - 1978 Mustang II Talk & Tech
Replies
5
Views
576
1974 - 1978 Mustang II Talk & Tech Mar 2, 2026
Bullitt347
Rear diff noise, hard to turn axle and driveshaft
  • DeathProof88
  • May 23, 2024
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
8
Views
1K
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- May 24, 2024
General karthief
L
Torsen T2R (M-4204-T31H), excessive play?
  • letumeternum
  • Aug 24, 2023
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech
Replies
0
Views
1K
SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech Aug 24, 2023
letumeternum
L
SN Mustang Magnum T56 swap
  • revhead347
  • May 24, 2024
  • 1994 - 1995 Specific Tech
Replies
15
Views
6K
1994 - 1995 Specific Tech Jun 28, 2026
GearHeadGuy
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?