1969 coupe 15 Report post Posted January 21, 2012 When I pulled my engine and trans the other day I noticed some play in the rear end. I'm not sure of the proper terminology but I could turn the yoke almost a 1/4 turn before feeling any resistance. I assume this is not normal and need to know what is wrong here. Please remember I am a beginner to this when replying. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BuckeyeDemon 211 Report post Posted January 21, 2012 my detroit locker feels the same way Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LindenBruce 27 Report post Posted January 21, 2012 Is this a factory 8" or 9" rear end? It is normal to have some play between the pinion and ring gear which you can feel at the yoke where the u-joints bolt to. But that play is measured in thousandths of an inch, not inches. Can you provide more info on your car's rear end. Bruce Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
1969 coupe 15 Report post Posted January 21, 2012 No tag, but I am almost positive it's an open 8", 3.00. That is what is suppose to be in there from the door tag. I know that is not always the case but I had a friend look at this for me 20 years ago and I think the tag showed it was the factory original. I had forgot that it had that much play being it has sit for so long. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BuckeyeDemon 211 Report post Posted January 22, 2012 i don't know how improper setting of the ring/pinion backlash would create that much play unless you had teeth missing. to back up my statement below about the locker in my car. i had noticed several months ago that i could turn the driveshaft about a quarter turn before the wheels would start turning. i was a little worried as i had setup the rearend myself. reading the instructions with the locker indicated the following (and for what it's worth, i have 4.11's): "These characteristics are normal because of backlash designed into the NoSPIN differential, which is of a fixed amount (1 to 2 inches of rotation at the tire tread). Backlash or slack between the driving and driven clutch teeth is an inherent part of the NoSPIN and necessary to permit automatic operation when driving in forward and reverse. The total backlash in the driveline is increased by the amount of the reduction between the ring gear and pinion. If the ring gear-pinion ratio is 5 to 1, the total backlash in the driveline with the NoSPIN would be about 30°. This in turn is increased by clearances between planetary gear, sliding splines and the ring and pinion gear. We feel that the total driveline slack can amount to as much as 1/4th turn of the driveline without being abnormal, but if it exceeds 1/4 turn, other parts in the drivetrain could be checked." I have no idea what you have, but just something coincidental with your description and my experience with the locker. Eaton Locker Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
72Pstroke 10 Report post Posted January 22, 2012 Keep in mind that when you turn the yoke, you are not only taking the backlash out of the ring and pinion, but out of the spider gears, side gears, and axle splines. It may seem like a lot when you add it all up. Tim Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
1969 coupe 15 Report post Posted January 22, 2012 (edited) I am kind of new to all of this so I am not quite sure what I am being told. I remember years and years ago it always had a really bad "clunk' when letting off the throttle. I had forgot about that over the years and am now unsure if there is an issue or not. So, do I have an issue or should I just let it ride? It will come out for body work so if I have a problem I would like to fix it at that time. Thanks Edited January 22, 2012 by 1969 coupe Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BuckeyeDemon 211 Report post Posted January 22, 2012 are you sure you don't have a locker in your car? did it clunk when making turns? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
1969 coupe 15 Report post Posted January 22, 2012 are you sure you don't have a locker in your car? did it clunk when making turns? I can't say for sure it's not a locker but I really don't think it is. I do not remember any clunking sounds while turning. IIRC it just made the clunk when letting off the throttle or putting it in gear. Any easy way to check and eliminate that it is a locker or not? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lemon Owner 11 Report post Posted January 23, 2012 All diffs have play, so I would worry about it when you have to. Drive the car and if it sounds funny then worry about it. Until then get that front end fixed, and I want pictures! lol Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
1969 coupe 15 Report post Posted January 23, 2012 All diffs have play, so I would worry about it when you have to. Drive the car and if it sounds funny then worry about it. Until then get that front end fixed, and I want pictures! lol Can't drive it, nothing left in it but some glass, rear end, some flat tires and a few other items. I was planning on welding some chain link fence to patch the tower, what ya think? LOL Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lemon Owner 11 Report post Posted January 23, 2012 Can't drive it, nothing left in it but some glass, rear end, some flat tires and a few other items. I was planning on welding some chain link fence to patch the tower, what ya think? LOL Yea, do that and then I will buy it off you! I just love fixing that shit up! lol Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
