Excessive play in differential

[Ian Williams]

Tim, you need to check with the Crown wheel locked, otherwise there are too many other variables which will confuse matters. That said by the sound of things you have issues which need to be resolved, these could be multiple and the only way to find out is too strip it down and investigate. If you don't do this it is likely to eventually cost you more than ignoring and hoping for the best. First things to check, as someone has already mentioned, are the two half shaft hub tapers and the drive shaft taper, if these are sound and when you lock the Crown wheel and there is still 90 degree play at the prop flange then it could be bearing issues. I have come across a number where the pinion bearings are loose and the distance piece worn, this allows the pinion to float back and forth which will ruin the both the CW and Pinion, if you have a diff with this problem it is highly probable that the bearings supporting the Crown wheel carrier will also be shot and or in need of adjustment.