freeplay in driveshaft - Ford Forums

bud_516 · 08-30-2009, 19:44

i have a 97 f150 with a 8.8rear end that has alot of play in the driveshaft and klunks when i let out the clutch can anyone tell me that i need to replace

**rtg143** · 08-30-2009, 20:12

Is it in the U-joints or differential. There were some problems with the slip joint sticking and we had to remove the driveshaft and put grease on the splines. When you spin the driveshaft (neutral and brake on) where do you see excessive movement?

bud_516 · 08-30-2009, 21:15

i just changed the u joints about 4k miles ago so its not that. but it looks to me like its in the spider gears, when i turn the driveshaft the pinion and ring gear move togeather and there is some slack in the carrier gears im just wondering if my axles are worn
thanks for the reply

**rtg143** · 08-30-2009, 21:45

There's usually some slack in the gears. If you changed the u-joints it could have changed the way the slip spline move. Try putting some grease on them and reinstalling the driveshaft. The axles only wear where the bearings are near the wheels. You wouldn't feel slack from them.