I have an 86 w/an auto tranny I just replaced the u-joints and noticed I could move the driveline connected to the differential about an 1" in either direction. With the motor running and my foot on the brake I can shift from N to D or R and can hear it clunk, that's why I started with replacing the u-joints. This doesn't seem normal. Should I have a ring/pinion shop look at it?

Thanks Matt

 

They all do that...

Really dont worry bout it. When it shells it shells, dont bother fixing it until then. Ive seen 2 trucks come in the shop for a little "clunk" into gear. Same issue.

 

Did yours clunk after the u-joints were replaced?
Mine haven't been replaced yet, it makes a bell-like-clang. (driveshaft echo)

 

If you can move the driveshaft that much u might want to check ur pinion bearing.

 

If you can't move the pinion flange in random directions ie its still tight the it is wear in the ring & pinion as well as the spider/side gears in the differential. Even in oil stuff gets worn over time its ok. As said before when it dies it dies not a big deal.

 

that sounds like a normal amount of backlash...most of the time when the pinion goes it poops the seal out at the same time, or grenades. Dont worry about it and just drive it

 

Thanks for the info

 

Wen i pulled the middle leaf on my yota the pinion bearing closest to the driveshaft completely fell apart. I dint pop the seal out but it did leak an a lot of oil. And wen i checked for any play it moved a good amount in any direction. But it also made a clank and a humming sound wen accelerating And decelerating

 

that would be rear wheel bearings cause my friends 4runner does it and the rear end is toast and we know the wheel bearings are toast it shoots out gear oil on the rims but who cares its a toyota it will live for ever