I've seen front end rattles are pretty common, and I may not be searching with the correct words, but I can't seem to find a similar problem and solution to my issue. I'm pretty sure I've narrowed it down to whatever is causing the slop in my front driveshaft.I can grab it and it moves maybe an eighth of a turn and the front half shafts seem to have some movement in them as well. 4WD "seems" to work fine and did all winter. I had originally thought the issue was blown out shocks, but not the case, so I kept using the 4WD last winter until I could change them, which didn't help with the rattle.

I'm convinced it's the front driveshaft and half shaft slop. What would be some causes to investigate? Had the hubs replaced as a separate issue. New tie rod ends, new axles. Most everything I found on here being a cause of a rattle has been replaced. Imagining it's something not fun and expensive inside the front diff, of at least a PITA.

Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

There is going to be some rotational slop in the front driveline. Just the nature of the beast. (gear clearances, chain slop, etc.) Does it rattle over bumps? When driving down a smooth road??

 

It really rattles going over bumps. Seems to be a little play in the axle shafts as well. It sounds like the front end of my truck is going to fall off any time I hit a small bump.

 

Shake the shocks. Bolts tight?

 

Sway bar bushing and or links could be the problem. Just something worth checking

 

Not the shocks, already checked those. Not the sway bar bushings. Axles and front drive shafts just too much play. 4wd works fine though. Pretty sure they are the cause, What do I need to look at as causing this?