rear axel question

[400M]

i have a 1979 f-150 4X4.
it seems that the rear axel has slop in it. if i get under the truck
and grab the drive shaft it has about 1/2 inch of play before it seems to
start to turn the rear wheels. i checked the u-joints they seem to
be firm. look fairly new. no play in them at all. When turning the
drive shaft with my hands you see the entire shaft move as one but feel
like the pinion gear hits the tooth on the ring gear. i can grab the
drive shaft and all is tight. u-joints are good no slop in it. i know it has a
locker, just do not know what kind or type. if i turn tight either way
the inside tire chirps unless i am real easy on the gas. the tires are
38.5 x 15.5 X 15. how can i tell if it has a locker besides turning tight
and hearing the inner tire squeel. i can not cake it apart if thats the
only way. not untill i have a lot more time.

Thanks.

 

[johnritchie36]

You can try jacking one rear tire up , putting the transmission in neutral and trying to turn the other wheel. If its a factory type locker such as a dana or detroit the tire should be stiff but will turn. If it wont turn at all you have a spool, which is really not safe for the street but are great because theres no moving parts to break. My guess would be you have a locker, since you can hear the tires chirp, either way you probably need to tear it down and adjust the backlash since you have that much movement, it should between .010 and .016. hope this helps.

 

[400M]

Great info Thanks. now i have to find a shop that i trust to do this.

 

[johnny reb]

Great info Thanks. now i have to find a shop that i trust to do this.

You might also want to check the front pinion bearing. They are really easy to change. When and if you take it to a garage--they might tell you--you need a ring and pinion gear---I took my bronco to a guy who I THOUGHT WAS TRUST WORTHY. He told me I needed both --they were wore out. I tore it down and looked for myself--since he did not even ddisturb the dirt on the rear-end and the gears were perfect.