So I noticed when I had my rear end in the air last week to check the brakes there was some play in the rear in regards to the driveshaft. That is, you can turn the wheels a few degrees before the driveshaft starts to turn. I know when I put my truck in D or R with my foot firmly on the brake that often times there is a very mild engaging jerk. I mean, it's no cause for alarm as far as I know but I always thought things in the rear were very tight. That is, if you tried to turn the driveshaft the rear would be engaged right away. This is not so on my truck. I should get under there and see how much I can turn the driveshaft before i feel it engaging the rear. I THINK when i had the rear up in the air the play between turning the wheels and when i saw/felt the driveshaft engage was 1/8 of a wheel turn or probably a little less.

Just wondering what the norm should be and if I should feel a light jerk when putting the truck in gear.

 

I guess it depends who you ask, my wife or me...

Sorry, couldn't resist. But since no one answered yet, I thought I'd bump you back up top.

 

If it moves alot it could be bad u-joints especially if it's making noise.

 

If you get under the truck to check, I would do it with both wheels on the ground, level and chocked, and parking brake set. Put it in neutral, grab the yoke and turn it. It should have little play. With both wheels in the air, you are getting the back lash and slop between the side and spider gears, all adding up. If it feels tight and has no in/out play or side to side to side play, the bearings are probably okay. Like FE said, check the U-joints too.

 

That kind of play is rarely a problem, a little is just fine. What is a problem with the 8.8 is C-clip play, pulling the axle in and out, if there is too much the axle can fall apart while driving.