Driveshaft play

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jun 9, 2005 | 08:36 AM

chansen

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 10

Likes: 0

Driveshaft play

Hi - my first post!

On my 4x4 '94 F250HD with manual transmission, the drive train clunks when I step on of off the gas. How much driveshaft play should there be? When I turn the driveshaft by hand, it turns about 1/4 of an inch.

Thanks - Chris

Jun 9, 2005 | 10:24 AM

fefarms

Elder User

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 941

Likes: 4

You want to inspect for any motion between the yoke and the cross in the u-joints. If there is ANY lost motion in the u-joint, the u-joint should be replaced. NO AMOUNT of play is acceptable within the U-joint.

There will be some backlash within the differential between the ring and pinion. If you just grab the driveshaft and turn it, the driveshaft, u-joint, and pinion gear will all turn a slight amount before meeting the resistance of the ring gear, even if there is no motion lost in the U-joint. But if you look at what is happening at the U-joint as you rock the shaft back and forth, you can tell the difference between slop in the U-joint and a normal amount of backlash.