Drivetrain Clutch, Torque Converter, Transmission, Driveline, Axles, Rear Ends

How much play is normal in the rear-end

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 4, 2011 | 08:00 AM
  #1  
miozub's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 20
From: Rockton, Illinois 61072
How much play is normal in the rear-end

How much play is normal in the rear-end (2002 Z28, 10-bolt rear, truetrac differential and Richmond 3.73 gear set)? I can see about 1/4" to maybe even 3/8" of a free move on the outer diameter of the shaft. Meaning, if I put it in neutral, have the parking brake on, get under the car and make a mark on the driveshaft, I can make that mark move by 1/4"-3/8" by turning the shaft easily by hand. This should amount to 10-15 degrees of play as my driveshaft is a 3" one. I've had gears changed recently and I am wondering if they are set properly.

Thanks!
Old Oct 4, 2011 | 08:20 AM
  #2  
93transam1234's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,146
From: Maryland
Re: How much play is normal in the rear-end

I am not an expert at all, but that sounds about right to when I have messed around with the DS before
Old Oct 4, 2011 | 08:22 AM
  #3  
km9v's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,296
From: Beaumont, TX
Re: How much play is normal in the rear-end

Originally Posted by miozub
How much play is normal in the rear-end
As much as she'll let you.
Old Oct 4, 2011 | 08:23 AM
  #4  
KWKSLVR's Avatar
S.E. Region Moderator
 
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 439
From: Birmingham, Alabama
Re: How much play is normal in the rear-end

Originally Posted by km9v
As much as she'll let you.
Yep, it definitely depends on the type of girl. Most have pretty tight tolerances as a general rule of thumb.
Old Oct 4, 2011 | 08:29 AM
  #5  
Erik's Avatar
Classic Tech Moderator
 
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 469
From: Burnaby, BC
Re: How much play is normal in the rear-end

Originally Posted by KWKSLVR
Yep, it definitely depends on the type of girl. Most have pretty tight tolerances as a general rule of thumb.
Often one can get away with the rule of thumb.
Old Oct 4, 2011 | 08:38 AM
  #6  
KWKSLVR's Avatar
S.E. Region Moderator
 
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 439
From: Birmingham, Alabama
Re: How much play is normal in the rear-end

Originally Posted by Erik
Often one can get away with the rule of thumb.
"Rimshot!"

Old Oct 4, 2011 | 08:55 AM
  #7  
calaban's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 309
From: North Carolina
Re: How much play is normal in the rear-end

Who didn't think from the title that this thread would go down hill quick.
Old Oct 4, 2011 | 09:40 AM
  #8  
KWKSLVR's Avatar
S.E. Region Moderator
 
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 439
From: Birmingham, Alabama
Re: How much play is normal in the rear-end

Well, this is the lounge.
Old Oct 4, 2011 | 09:47 AM
  #9  
6spdpewterZ's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 85
From: Chuco Town TExas!!!
Re: How much play is normal in the rear-end

Old Oct 4, 2011 | 10:20 AM
  #10  
93transam1234's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,146
From: Maryland
Re: How much play is normal in the rear-end

Originally Posted by Erik
Often one can get away with the rule of thumb.
True s#it there!
Old Oct 4, 2011 | 11:15 PM
  #11  
miozub's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 20
From: Rockton, Illinois 61072
Re: How much play is normal in the rear-end

:-) ... I see that I walked right into this one ... Nicely done guys!

At least you didn't punish me for saying that "my driveshaft is a 3 inch one".

Seriously, though, If anyone knows or can check the play on his car i'd appreciate the help.

Thanks
Old Oct 5, 2011 | 07:52 AM
  #12  
ReNxWar's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 655
From: 08088, 27215
Re: How much play is normal in the rear-end

Damnit, I was just about to do the 3" joke.
Old Oct 5, 2011 | 08:30 AM
  #13  
km9v's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,296
From: Beaumont, TX
Re: How much play is normal in the rear-end

You may want to post your question outside of the lounge if you want a serious answer to your question. I have no idea how much play is normal.
Old Oct 5, 2011 | 08:32 AM
  #14  
KWKSLVR's Avatar
S.E. Region Moderator
 
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 439
From: Birmingham, Alabama
Re: How much play is normal in the rear-end

Originally Posted by miozub
At least you didn't punish me for saying that "my driveshaft is a 3 inch one".
Dude, they totally make prescription drugs for that now!

But yeah, one of the tech forums will probably get you better answers. You're a good sport. Good luck on finding your answer. If I knew I'd help ya!
Old Oct 5, 2011 | 08:34 AM
  #15  
GrdLockV6's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 604
From: Houston, TX
Re: How much play is normal in the rear-end

I tried to play in the rear end last night... but I got zero play.



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:45 PM.