Driveline Play - Can you help diagnose?
 

I have a new to me 1971 911 that is experiencing play in the driveline. I will explain it and see if anyone has any ideas.

This occurs more pronounced in the higher gears (3 - 5), but still is noticeable in the two lower gears. Basically, it feels that when you go from either a tension loaded driveline in decel or accel mode to the other (i.e. let off the gas while in the same gear after accelerating or accelerating after letting the car coast), there is a "clunk" for lack of a better word that comes from the differential area (?). The clutch is good, so it is not that.

I had a shop take a look at it for assessment, but did not dismantle the differential. They stated that when you held one wheel stationary, the other wheel could rotate freely about 70 degrees. When you rotated them in opposite directions, there was also play, but I cannot remember how much. They felt that it was what he called the "spider gear" in the differential and it was probably worn.

Does anyone have any experience with this and is this something I can disassemble, check out, and repair myself. I have pretty decent mechanical skills, but no manuals other than Wayne's 101 Projects. Any help/opinions would be appreciated.

BTW, I am going to take it to my early 911 specialist and have him look at it as well. Thanks! SmileWavy

if the transmission is in gear and clutch is out, holding one wheel and the other can turn 70 degrees...that doesn't sound good to me. I'm I missing something here? Likely transaxle needs repair is my guess.

This is a double post. The rest of the story is on the 911 tech side.
This isn't an engine rebuilding question.

Yeah, sorry Doug. I realized that after I posted the thread that it was in the wrong area. I changed to the proper 911 tech side.