If the tailshaft bushing in the trans has wear, should I be concerned until I can get the trans out and freshen it?
I ain't for sure & it would depend on how sloppy it is. How much end play does the driveshaft have? (when you butt it all the way into the trans how much distance is there to move it back till the rear ujoint is seated). excessive endplay is more likely to be a cause than a worn bushing (unless it is real bad) & right now I'm thinking the bushing ain't the problem (it might not be perfect but I am thinking elsewhere) however too much end play can definitely be it. I like ~3/4-7/8, enough to get the ujoint over the yoke when installing plus a bit more measured with springs compressed at ride height/weight (stands under axle). plus we have the angles and the pig as potentials. As Cab says we gotta stay after it.
With the driveshaft bolted into the rear yoke, there is not front to back play obviously. With the new front u-joint, you can maybe move the front of the drive shaft side to side a bit (haven’t measured, but I would guess no more than .250”. This is the snout of the driveshaft only, and not the u-joint flexing with it. As extra information, there isn’t any play on the rear pinion/yoke back at the differential.
I am a skeptic that, although the gear change increased driveshaft speed and it’s probably at or approaching half critical speed of a 2.750” shaft, that it’s a major player in what I am feeling.
And yes, just go to stay after it. I am more OCD than anything about so called issues like I am describing.
