There is a vibration coming from the driveline. It also clunks when coming to a stop and under initial acceleration from a stop. Checked the driveshaft u-joints for playbut thesignificant slopis in the transfer case. The shaft has about5 to 10 degrees of play. Is this normal? Trying to fix the clunk and need help. Thanks.

 

STILL SOUNDS LIKE U JOINTS

 

If it's a Ranger, it could also be a worn pinion gear. This is a common issue with the Rangers. Most noticable when coming to a stop with an auto tranny.

 

Yes, it is a 2002 Ranger 4x4. Is there anything I can do to further diagnose the problem? And, is the play in the transfer case normal? Both front and rear driveshafts have some play in the transfer case. Thanks again!

 

You'll have about the 5-10 degree play in the drivelines that you're seeing. This is due to the gear clearance combination in the axle gears and the transfer case gears. The clunk is probably pinion gear wear in the rear axle, however is mainly a noise irritant. Since you see no play in the U-Joints, the vibration could be caused by a STIFF U-Joint not pivoting during rotation. When replacing U-Joints, don't cheap out by only doing the suspected bad one, do both as the "GOOD" always seems to fail shortly after.

 

Thanks alot! The forty bucks for new ball joints is definately worth a try rather than getting into the rear end. By the way, how difficult is replacing the pinion gear?