Help. Output shaft to VC has some play

[91_talon_at]

I just took off and replaced the center shaft or output shaft that
connects to the Viscous Coupler because my old one binded to the transfer case. My concern is the shaft has very little play and i am able to pull and push it back towards the VC and out. the retaining ball and clip are in place holding the shaft. would
it be wise to put it on the car or no?

 

[92awddsm]

I just took off and replaced the center shaft or output shaft that
connects to the Viscous Coupler because my old one binded to the transfer case. My concern is the shaft has very little play and i am able to pull and push it back towards the VC and out. the retaining ball and clip are in place holding the shaft. would
it be wise to put it on the car or no?

Mine has always had 1/8" or so play as long as Ive had it and had no problems. Im not saying it is right because Im no tranny expert but mine does and has always worked fine.

 

[4pistons]

Try reading these threads to get a better idea of how your center diff works.
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=174508
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51416
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23929

The center shaft shouldn't move more than a few thousandsth of an inch. The shaft is held in place by the retaining ball holding it to the side gear. If there is slop in the center diff, usually caused by the thrust washers wearing out, the side gear and center shaft will move excessively as a unit and eventually will fail the diff or wear out that new $$$$ shaft and the t-case gear.

I replaced my center shaft several years ago without fixing the diff and only a year later the brand new $$$$ shaft failed and stranded me on the tollway. I decided to weld mine so it never happened again. http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=173481 No wear at all since then.

It is a common problem with our center diff but shouldn't be ignored, it'll only get worse. Unfortunately the only way to fix it is to remove and disassemble the tranny to get the center diff fixed or welded.

Rick - '91 GSX - Twice shafted!!