okay, i got another thinker.  the other day i heard a pop then a ticking from underneath that matched my speed.  so i got out and started wiggling things and found out there was play in the slip joint on my drive shaft and pinion.  i assume i can just tighten the pinion, but does anyone know how to fix my driveshaft?

okay, i got another thinker.  the other day i heard a pop then a ticking from underneath that matched my speed.  so i got out and started wiggling things and found out there was play in the slip joint on my drive shaft and pinion.  i assume i can just tighten the pinion, but does anyone know how to fix my driveshaft?

Are you saying that there is radial play (perpendicular to the centerline of the driveshaft)?

If not then most likely you have a bad u-joint.

the only way to tell for sure is to remove the driveshaft at the flange and flex the driveshaft by holding both pieces in each hand and trying to "bend" or "twist" the unit. if there is play (somewhat unlikely) then the splines are worn and you need to replace the driveshaft. 

If the driveshaft does not flex, then you have a bad u-joint -- which is far easier to deal with and far more common.  It should do more than just wobble if it is worn.

Hope this helps! 

the drive shaft "flexes".  kind of a lot.  the wierd thing is that it was all of a sudden.  i just had the shaft off a couple weeks ago replacing ujoints and it was fine then.  if the splines are just worn, that means the shaft is dead i assume,  or will it be just one of the haves?

i just had the shaft off a couple weeks ago replacing ujoints

I think I may see the problem...

okay, so i'm retarded. i have been all week.  when i actually took the shaft apart(which i should have done in the first place) i quickly noticed the last quarter inch of the spliners were all chipped out. anybody want to sell a spacer?  i have pictures but it won't let me post them.