Best way to check for excessive play in driveline? (1 Viewer)

[e9999]

Been wondering about the best way to check for excessive play in the driveline with the wheels on the ground. Something along the line of trying to rotate the driveshaft and see how much it does do that. But what would make the most sense? If I'm in park I guess rotating the rear driveshaft would mostly show any play/backlash in the transfer case and/or rear diff since the trans would be "blocked". Is that right? What if I'm in Neutral? Seems like that increases the amount of rotational slack I see. What would that mean?
So, any advice? Better way to go? And how much play is acceptable?
thanks
Eric

 

[landtoy80]

Come over and drive the Turd. It has lots of slop in the drive line.
If you can't just find a '80's chevy truck with auto tranny. Put in D then go to R and you will hear a big chunk.
If you don't hear a big chunk in yours it is OK.
There is a good amount of backlash in the diff's. When you have the rear off the ground you can trun the drive shaft back and forth, that is the gap between the pinion gear and ring gear. You need that, if it aint there there is a problem.