98 Dakota 5.2 4wd
#2
#5
The dust cover should be somewhat attached to the pinion, shouldn't be rattling.
If you have a gear/cog locker (aftermarket), 1/4-1/2 turn of the pinion is normalish - it's from the cross-shaft having a little play between the carrier and locking cogs. I thought it was alot at first, after pulling the diff cover I figured out it was okay.
A clutch-type limited slip should have a tight pinion, as should a regular open carrier (unless, like the cog type, the crosspin has wallered itself out a bit)
If you have a gear/cog locker (aftermarket), 1/4-1/2 turn of the pinion is normalish - it's from the cross-shaft having a little play between the carrier and locking cogs. I thought it was alot at first, after pulling the diff cover I figured out it was okay.
A clutch-type limited slip should have a tight pinion, as should a regular open carrier (unless, like the cog type, the crosspin has wallered itself out a bit)
#7