I'm getting a strange sound sounds like a spinning sound when I start from a stop. It sounds like it's trying to wind up or like if you spin a rope or something through the air. It speeds up with the truck as well. I'm also getting a little play in my DS I plan on changing the u-joints could this be the same problem? the shaft rocks (turns) about 1/8" to 1/4" is this a normal play amount? when I have it on stands I can move one tire about 1"-2" before the other tire moves is this also too much play in the gear? I feel a vibration in the truck when at highway speed is why I am checking the play in the gears and DS. Any suggestions or comments are very welcome. I can fix just fine diagnosing is where I Suck. I'm definately not a Noob with a wrench but I'm definately not ASE certified either

 

The play from tire to tire is fine. The play in your shaft is not well defined. Is the 1/8th to 1/4 play in the u joint itself or are your referring to the yoke and all moving? The vibration you refer to as well as the sound does lead me to believe you have atleast one bad u joint.

 

not real sure it appears the yoke and all are moving slightly but when I had the wife shift from drive to rev is had a pretty obvious clang sound. (of course she stopped the forward spin) it was on jacks so I could see it very clear. I can rattle the DS and get clear moveent from my front UJ. It is a 2 UJ shaft so I'm definately going to change both UJ's any suggestions as to anything else I should do or try before during or after I replace the DS?

 

When you pull the DS grab the yoke and see how much play there is before the wheels begin to turn. If there is more than an inch of play in either direction then you may have internal issues with gear play. That could mean several different things could be wrong in there. If you find you have excessive play in there then let us know and one or more of us could lead you in the right direction as to how to fix that too. Good idea to change both joints though.

 

I can guarantee I'll ask you guys, I've been tinkering with all of my cars for many years you guys have helped me more than I can say. Thanks a million, and I'll be in touch. thanks now all I need is the time to fix it