'96 Camaro SS Convertible Manual 6 stock mostly

The install: New ring&pinion with complete bearing set, used torsen (out of a 2000 auto V8 camaro) in the middle and my old axles. I've checked and there is no play in the U-joints or ring&pinion install. They're pretty much tight.

Still, with 1 wheel off the ground I can rotate it about 15 mm (measured at the edge of the wheel) - about 2.6 degrees - without moving the driveshaft. This is play between the 2 axles. I can hear metal contact noises sometimes when shifting gears and always when alternating gas/engine break more aggressively.

I believe it may be from the torsen or axles being worn. What do you think?
Is it dangerous? How critical is it that I fix this? What's the worst that can happen? Can I street drag race the car as long as I start off and shift gears more gently ?

Thanks very much for your input! I plan on going to a street drag race competition this Sunday

 

Up, someone help please ?

 

There's always a little play between each spline or gear. Add this small amount up for 2 axles, 2 side gears, and the R&P and it is quite a bit. Yours sounds normal.

 

It's normal for it to bump so much (i can feel the car jitter when it hits) while shifting gears and when alternating gas/engine break more aggressively?

Right now I have zero play on the r&p. It's just the differential/axle play... and it feels to me pretty big... hope it will last until I get a new diff