Driveshaft/Differential Play, How much is too much?

[OkieFishMan]

Here is a video of the amount of "slop" at the rear differential of my Crew Cab C20. All U-joints and carrier bearing are brand new. Is this an acceptable amount of play or should I be concerned?

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

 

[OkieFishMan]

Its a 14 bolt rear in case that helps.

 

[PrairieDrifter]

Seems slightly excessive to me. All axles are pretty much the same in terms of setup specs

 

[nvrenuf]

The amount of play shown is exaggerated because I can see the truck moving as well.

To get the best feel you'll need to disconnect the driveshaft. Rotate the yoke by hand the full amount of the slop (the 1/5 turn you show), now carefully rotate it less and feel for a very small amount of slack - this should be your backlash. Do this a few times and you'll learn to the feel the differences in the slop. Chances are the backlash slop is more like a 1/16" of rotational movement of the yoke. The full 1/5 turn you're feeling / seeing is likely the total combined slop of the r&p backlash + spider gear slop + inner axle shaft spline slop. If there is any kind of limited slip or locking diff they can add to the slop as well. You'd have about 1/4 turn of slop if you had a Detroit Locker. LOL

 

[Snoots]

IMHO, seems excessive to me.