rear axle problem

[Michigander]

hey guys... once again I need help.

I've been having a bad clunking in my drivetrain and it's been getting worse. Today I crawled under there and tried to find the problem. I can wiggle the rear driveshaft where it connects to the rear pumpkin. It moves about .5 cm (really bad, especially at highway speeds). It isn't a U joint, because that part is tight. Is there a bearing pack that is just on the inside of the axle housing? Hopefully that is the only problem and not my gears and l/s that is shredded.

What do you guys think and how much is it going to cost me?

 

[mrboyle]

First thing I would do is remove the rear driveshaft and check the nut that holds the rear yolk on. I have seen these come loose and allow the driveshaft to move. If the nut is tight it sounds like you lost the front bearing on the pinnion gear. If the bearing is the only thing bad it can be replaced, but I would recomend taking it to someone with experience working on rear ends to get the work done.