tranny shift?

[fordman]

if the pinon is wobbling around then the crush sleave or bearing is worn badly.

[hotrod ford]

its not wobbling, but it moves left and right when i move the driveshaft. i hope im explaining this correct.

[fordman]

i know i just didn't use the right words. when i replied. i wish someone else would jump in here i am pretty unsure how to help any further.

[hotrod ford]

no bud, you have helped just fine. its just boggles my mind when i tighten the tranny down like it supposed to be it starts to act up. one thing i dont think i mentioned is when is when i was watching the drivetrain when my wife was shifting the column, i noticed when she shifted into drive the drive shaft would move then the rearend would engage. i hope this helps.

[fordman]

the rear or the pinono has some slack in it or the ujoint is slacking but it sounds like the rear has slack

[hotrod ford]

i called my fathes inlaw just now and he thinks it might be the rear too. he said since the tranny wasnt bolted down i couldnt feel the play. now, do i need to change the gears or just let it be. will it get worse or stay the as it is?

[fordman]

it probably needs to be rebuilt. or another center chunk put in thats not worn out.

[hotrod ford]

never rebuilt one before. what would you recommend? take it to a shop or is it a do it your self job?

[fordman]

everyone says its hard to set them up right. i have never taken one apart. i have had the center chunk out before but that is it. i did have cheby once that just had aloose pinion nut. it would clunk when you drove it.

[hotrod ford]

ford man, i thank ya for the help. i'll go take a better look at it in the morn. and let you know what i come up with. hotrod ford

[fmartin_gila1]

You should not have any movement from forward and back, you should have a little rotational movement which would be the gear lash and would be normal.
Fred

[hotrod ford]

it doesnt move back and forth. it does rotate though, but im not sure how much rotation is allowed.

[fmartin_gila1]

First, make sure your tranny is in neutral, then grab the rear U joint with both hands and try to rotate it. You should be able to rotate it slightly and hear a small clunk as it hits the ring gear teeth. Then try to move it towards the front and the back of the vehicle, you shouldn't get any movement. Then try to move it side to side, you shouldn't get any movement. Then get the wheels off the ground so you can rotate using the rear U joint. should turn the tires smoothly, if there is gear tooth or bearing damage, you will feel it. You will also feel if you have a brake problem. This will mostly eliminate the rear end as being a problem and you can go from there.
Fred