diff slop

[Trent and his Rover]

Took off front driveshaft to discover that the front diff may have too much play.
I can wiggle her back and forth about 3/4".
'Anyone know how much play is unacceptable?
No play at transfer case.
Thanks.

 

[discostew]

There was a procedure with a 6 inch ruler held on the flange and measuring the travel. Those old bulletins are really hard to find now.
Keep in mind that extra travel could be the obvious ring and pinion lash. But also the side gears and spider gears, or between the spider gears and the shaft. That last one could be the start of a really really bad failure, the shaft breaks and slides out far enough to lock up the axle. It also could be play all the way out in one of your c/v joints. Don't want to scare you but it might be worth looking at the stuff inside there.