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That is gear back lash. There is a way to measure it but if it is within tolerance for used gears you should be OK. I always use a dial indicator to check it.
I would be checking the end play of the side yokes and see if they are worn down and also needing to be replaced while you have it out.....which would also mean you would need to buy a new pinion shaft ... so the surface of the pinion shaft where the new side yokes make contact on is not all screwed up from the old worn out ones. Then I would check the clutches and see if they pass the torque check you can do with a torque wrench.
Trust me I know the "while you're at it" dilemma, it's why half my car ended up on the bench last summer haha. I'm planning on replacing all the bearings and seals, I don't plan on breaking into the carrier and messing with the clutches. Currently I'm looking into the tools and parts I will need and getting in as much research as I can.
I was planning on ordering the bearings as I take it apart but I'm waiting for the tools to get here. If anyone has a diagram of an 80 rear axle with the bearing part numbers it would be greatly appreciated!
Got the carrier out tonight and was able to get a close look at the bearings. Everything turns out to be surprisingly solid! Only thing that concerns me is that the side yoke bearings are somewhat gritty and worn, I have attached pictures.
I am having to assume that these small specks are aluminum.
Normally I would say that the side yokes wore down so far that the dust shield on the side yoke is making contact with the area where the outer side yoke seals goes into the differential housing.....but by your photo and no comment on how bad the side yokes are...I doubt that is the case.....due to I can not see abrasive wear on the flat surface where the grease seal goes for the side yoke.
