Loose Differential

[treegump]

I can turn the driveshaft about a 1/2"-1" before it engages the gears. I knew of this problem when I bought the truck, but I haven't fixed it, and I'm worried that if I don't do anything to the play, it'll get worse. Is there something that can be tightened up inside the diff? I'm nearing 30k on my fluids, so I'll be changing them when I can afford it (financially and time), and if I can tighten something up when I have the rear end open, that'd be the best time I'd like to do it. Any help would be nice.

Thanks!

 

[6.2 turbo]

It might be the spider gears,if the ring and pinion had that much play,you wouldn't be wondering if it will last,I would say 1/2 inch sounds normal 1 inch might be plenty. You can adjust the backlash on the ring and pinion,but it might make it wine ,since the gears are already broken in.