What if its like... maybe a small wiggle at the tail end of the driveshaft? Like maybe 1/8 of an inch movement side to side? I dont remember if was the actually yoke moving or u joints... ill check again.

 

If the caps stay in place and the joint moes, it's probably worn out. If the yokes moves to the side, your pinion shaft may have some wear.

 

I should use a more appropriate word. When i said side to side, i mean it rotates. Not literal side to side movement

 

Some rotational slop is to be expected, gear clearances and all that. Nothing to worry about there.

 

If your transmission is in neutral and there's just a little rotation, that's normal. If you're in Park, the transmission will hold the shaft in place.

 

Sounds like standard R&P backlash

 

A little off topic, but i replaced my u joints in the rear drive shaft. I decided to do the rear pinion seal but i didnt have the proper tools to pull the actual yoke off, after ive taken the nut and washer off. So then i just took a impact and put the washer and nut back on and put the drive shaft back in place...

My question is. I didnt mark the original position of the nut and i happened to come across info about preload.

Did i just screw up ? Or are they talking about a different nut??? Thanks

 

There is a chance you might have messed up the preload. Any noise?

 

Not that ive noticed yet. But i fixed it at work in the firehouse. And drove it back to the parking lot. No noise. Can someone link me to the proper way to preload it? Thanks

 

You can't now. What you were suppose to do was take the rotational torque. As long as their is no noise you should be fine