Front diff play

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Tac Map Mike

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I was under my truck today just to spray down the axle seals to see how bad they are weeping. While under there, I noticed some play (moving the shaft clockwise/counter-clockwise) in the shaft from the front diff to the transfer case. Is this normal?
 

kennythewelder

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I was under my truck today just to spray down the axle seals to see how bad they are weeping. While under there, I noticed some play (moving the shaft clockwise/counter-clockwise) in the shaft from the front diff to the transfer case. Is this normal?
Some play is normal, depending how much. If the differential isn't making any noise, when driving, shifting, or putting it in gear from a stop, you may be good. But, if you can turn the drive shaft say 1/4 of a turn,or more, then you probably have issues. You could always pull off the cover, and take a look inside, and see what it looks like in there. If there is ware, it will show up in the oil. It will have metal grit inside.
 

Rocket Surgeon

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Normal. ??? The shaft is disconnected at both ends with key off and transfer case not engaged in 4anything. It does not rotate in 2wd for example, ergo is "free spinning" when not engaged.

If you have a floor shifter you would be engaged at the transfer case only engine off in 4 hi or low. If you have a powered switch actuated trans case, I believe it would disconnect if power is off.
 
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