Automatic trans tailshaft play normal?

[Dirtman]

Ok trying to cut to the chase, I have what I assumed was the infamous ford driveshaft clunk. I bought the special XG-8 grease and then proceeded to go pop the driveshaft out.

Idiotically I didn't notice until I was under there that my driveshaft does not have a slip joint in the shaft itself, it has a slip joint at the transmission output so obviously its lubed the trans fluid and the grease wont do anything.

I pulled the shaft out anyway just to clean it and noticed A. The tailshaft seal on the trans is leaking, and B. The output shaft has a good bit of play in it. Is the play normal or is there a bushing/bearing in the tailshaft that can get worn?

My U-joints are "loose" but have no play or rough spots so im trying to figure out if the clunk could be the play in the output shaft.

It's an 09 regular cab 2wd with a 5r44e if that matters. Being 2wd its easy to pop the tailshaft off but wanna know if its even worth it.

 

[adsm08]

There should be a case bushing at the tip of the tail housing that the slip yoke rides in, and it can get worn. It is probably harder to get one than to replace it.

The output shaft should have some rotational play, as in it should be able to turn a bit but it should not move radially. If you are getting some clunk your yoke splines are likely worn. Time for a new front yoke on the drive shaft, which is no more difficult than replacing a u-joint.

I have found that those yokes tend to wear out faster than the mid-shaft ones, and I think it is because ATF isnt heavy enough to keep them lubed properly.

 

[Dirtman]

The output shaft definitely has side to side play not just rotational play. I can wiggle it side to side probably an 1/8 of an inch.

when i pulled the yoke it was bone dry and my trans fluid is at the correct level so thats a bit concerning as well.

Any ideas where to find this bushing? The yoke and seal is easy, i just called my local driveshaft guy and he said he can get the yoke in a couple days but had no idea on the bushing. And autozone has the seal but again no bushing.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Might have to replace the tailshaft?

I would take the new yoke and slide it on and see if it tightens things up first.

If you caught it in time hopefully the bushing will be good enough.

 

[Dirtman]

Heres what i mean by the output shaft play.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I was confused... thought the yoke was sloppy on the output shaft.

Some play there is normal... the output shaft in the yoke in the tailshaft bushing tightens that up.

 

[adsm08]

That looks excessive to me, but I am not an auto trans specialist, or even an expert. I know enough about them to be dangerous, and I mean that in a very literal sense. To date I have never taken an auto apart, put it back together, and had it work correctly when I was done. Hopefully Transman will pick this one up. He is a transmission builder. You might want to PM him, or hit him up on Facebook, I think his name over there is "Otto Matics".

If you end up needing bushings I usually use Cobra Trans for any transmission parts I need. It seems like they can get just about everything. I am waiting for Friday to order the master rebuild kit for my M5OD.

 

[Dirtman]

I was confused... thought the yoke was sloppy on the output shaft.

Some play there is normal... the output shaft in the yoke in the tailshaft bushing tightens that up.

Yes with the slip joint yoke installed it is tight. No wiggle. Thats where I was confused, i didnt know if the bushing fit to the shaft, or the yoke.

Ill PM trans man to see if he thinks that play is normal but for now im gonna slap it back in and wait for a new yoke, seal, and u-joints.

 

[Transman304]

That is normal play as the slip yoke and bushing in the tail housing are what centers the shaft
Also check the pinion play also.

 

[Dirtman]

Thanks transman. Pinion is rock solid.

Kinda leaves me still wondering what the clunk is now. Only happens when I coast to slow down and then get on the gas hard like coming out of a turn or when I slow down for a red light that turns green before I come to a full stop. it never happens when taking off from a complete stop.

 

[Transman304]

Mounts maybe?

 

[Uncle Gump]

That sounds like too much backlash in the differential.