Rear Axle Total Backlash Check

If vehicle vibrates and or has a booming sound, and driveline imbalance is suspected, total axle backlash should be checked as follows:
1. Place gearshift in neutral, apply parking brake, then raise and support vehicle.

Fig. 2 Checking Rear Axle Total Backlash:

2. Manually turn propeller shaft clockwise as far as it will go and mark the companion flange dust cover and differential carrier for reference.
3. Manually turn shaft counterclockwise as far as it will go and measure distance between marks.
4. If axle total backlash is less than 0.2 inch (5 mm), backlash is satisfactory.
5. If backlash is more than 0.2 inch (5 mm), refer to Transmission and Drivetrain/Differential/Service and Repair.