Play in driveshaft

[CJDan]

When I put my 84 cj 5 speed manual into first gear it seems to have a lot of play, it bangs. Then when I go to put it in reverse it bangs also.

 

[ljrubitm]

Bad u-joint?

 

[JohnnyO]

U-joint, it could also be that the slip yoke grease has dried out. Need to pull the driveshaft, spray it out with some brake cleaner, and lube it up (if it's dry).

 

[69jeepcj]

U-JOINT! put it in neutral and push and pull on the driveshaft at the ujoint, if its bad you should feel and see the slack. If not fixed soon It can come apart while driving it, ive had that happen. Autozone (of all places,lol) has a ujoint called bruteforce and it is the best ujoint I have found other than a spicer joint. Last time I got one it was about $15.

 

[ljrubitm]

It could also be the rear pinion bearing or a broken tooth n the gears.