I marked everything for re-assembly, disconnected the rear u-joint, slid out the yoke and dropped the driveshaft. The u-joints appear to be tight. I have what seems to be play in the rear differential. When I grab the (pinion?) and turn it back and forth there is definately slop or play. Is this normal? By the way, this has been a very simple job so far if anyone is considering it. My tail shaft seal came right out and although it was leaking it looks ok. ?? I also gently shined up my yoke shaft that goes into the t-case. I read where the rough sections can damage the seal. Have I missed anything? I'm picking up my seal tomorrow to put it all back together. Thanks for any input if I have missed something.

Some play between the forward and backward twist in a pinion gear is normal.
Big Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

You should not be able to shake the pinion shaft in/out or up and down. If what you're feeling is rotational play, some of it is normal as you take up the ring and pinion backlash, endplay in the spider gears and slight amount of looseness in the axle splines.

That's great. Thanks.