Thread: Slack in the drive train

My county with LT85 LT230 seems to have a lot of slack in the drive train. Where is this likely to be. It's most noticeable when changing gear. What's the best way to determine where the problem is.

Originally Posted by fid-def

I was hoping my problem was in the front and/ or rear duffs. If I disconnect the prop shafts and just turn the diff flanges left and right how much play should there be. Second question if excessive what do I need to do to reduce play.

How many kilometres has your vehicle covered?
There are so many splines and gears in play with constant 4wd Landrovers that advising from a distance how to reduce play is difficult particularly on an older one like yours.
The rear halfshafts are splined both ends and are a sliding fit in their flange/sidegear when new. Wear here gives play. Front halfshafts have 3 sets of splines each, (more freeplay) Differential spidergears may need shimming. Front diff spider gear shaft may have flogged out holes in crownwheel carrier.
When releasing the clutch pedal after changing gears,all this freeplay must be taken up before drive from the engine to the wheels resumes.And that is without including the extra freeplay contribution of a worn centre diff and gearbox mainshaft, or slack A frame balljoint, worn suspension bushings etc.
Bill.