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  1. #1
    Junior Member farmer_ron_99's Avatar
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    02 Trans Am WS6

    How much play in the Rear End?

    Noticed that my car had quite a bit of play in the driveshaft. The M6 trans was in neutral and the e-brake was on. I placed a dial indicator on the rear end yoke and rotated the drive shaft. I measured .150" of play. I made sure the tires were not turning at all. Yes it is the stock undersized 10 bolt unit. Yes, I know it needs to be changed. Any thoughts on what might be wrong with the rear end?

  2. #2
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    You need to rmove the cover and measure backlash on the ring gear, not on the yoke.

  3. #3
    Veteran Firebirdjones's Avatar
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    Exactly, you will need a magnetic base dial indicator,,,,measuring the backlash on the ring gear.

    When I setup new rearends,,,depending on gear manufacture they usually shoot for .007 to .010" backlash.

    On a used rearend that has some miles, .015" wouldn't be out of the question, although it may be a little noisy at that point.

    If your rearend isn't howling yet, I would venture to say your backlash isn't too far out if at all. But for piece of mind pull the cover and check. Probably time for a gear oil change anyway,,,right?

    Only way to fix it would be to purchase a shim kit and reshim the carrier, a tricky process, while keeping proper preload on the side carrier bearings.

    Hope that helps.

  4. #4
    Member red99ws6's Avatar
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    1999 Trans Am WS-6

    could it be u-joints

  5. #5
    Veteran Firebirdjones's Avatar
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    It's possible. Without being there I can't say for sure. But seeing slop or play in the u-joints isn't too hard to detect. You can usually move the shaft up and down or rotate it while holding one end still,,,and see if there is any movement in the joint itself. If still not sure, pull a couple of caps off and have a look at the needle bearings, make sure they are all there and not broken or missing,,,,,and check the surface the bearings ride on for ridges or rough spots.

  6. #6
    Junior Member farmer_ron_99's Avatar
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    02 Trans Am WS6

    Thanks for the Info

    I will be taking the cover off and measuring the backlash on the ring gear. Any suggestions on the best way to hold the pinnion/input yoke? What is the best oil to use? Are aftermarket gaskets ok or should I use GM's?

  7. #7
    Member Fran D's Avatar
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    2000 Camaro SS

    Quote Originally Posted by farmer_ron_99 View Post
    ...Any suggestions on the best way to hold the pinnion/input yoke?
    There should be enough resistance to hold the pinion while you move the ring gear, but what I've done in the past is just hang a big, heavy adjustable pipe wrench off the yoke to give it more staying power.

    Quote Originally Posted by farmer_ron_99 View Post
    ...What is the best oil to use?
    This could start a thread by itself! Best is always a matter of debate. I use the Mobil1 stuff without any issues.

    Quote Originally Posted by farmer_ron_99 View Post
    Are aftermarket gaskets ok or should I use GM's?
    Anything will do, but it's good practice to use some Permatex gasket sealer with it as well.

    Good luck.

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