Sloppy Drivetrain

[78ScottsdaleK20]

I have a 78 Scottsdale K20 with some sloppy Drivetrain. I have a SM465 with a NP205. When driving the linkage for the transfer case rattles. When you put your hand on the TC shifter lever it goes away. Has anyone else had this problem and what was done to fix it? Only thing I can think of is slapping some rum dum on the linkage to keep it from rattling. Just dont want to fight the mess when I need to work on it.

Also, when driving, and press the pedal and let off quickly, there is alot of play between the driveline and transmission. U-joints are good. Had the front driveshaft with the CV joint rebuilt a month ago. The guy that did it said that with the two piece driveline, over time the slip yoke gets worn and ends up with this type of play. I can feel it where the driveline and trans meet. Maybe its getting transferred there. Anyone else ecperience this sloppiness, and how to correct it?

Ideally a one piece driveline would be the way to go, but it is a 4x4 with a 4" lift running 315x75x16. Kinda need the two piece huh?

Anyways thanks.

[Blazin]

Sounds like My 79 K 30. Its just plain worn out so every thing has play in it. Trans., & t case both have allot of slop in them. axles are not to bad but do have some play too.

[Captkaos]

I can't remember but does the TC shifter have bushings in it? 
Is the slop for sure coming from the driveshaft?  Have you checked everything?  Motor mounts, transfer case mounts, pinion/yoke.

[78ScottsdaleK20]

Not sure if the TC lever has bushings, but I am absolutely positive the excessive noise is coming from the linkage. When I hold the TC lever when driving and press on the throttle and let off, its much tighter feeling and no noise at all...but you can still feel the play in the driveline and tranny.

I have not gone over every nut and bolt for the mounts, will do that to eliminate that possibility. Could be a myriad of things; motor mounts, tranny mounts, crossmember, and driveline.

Motor and mounts are 2 years old, tranny mounts are 3 years old. Tranny and TC was rebuilt 3 years ago.

When I found out, I'll reply back with findings.

Thanks

[78ScottsdaleK20]

So I verified that the linkage in the TC lever is what is making the rattling noise and making it appear that the drivetrain is looser than it really is. Hopefully a little weatherstripping jammed into and around the linkage without too much interference will do the trick. Any one else have the rattling from their linkage, if so what did you do to elimiate it?

There is still alot of end to end play in the drivehsaft and trans. When holding the TC lever, at cruise, step on the throttle at least half way, and let off, alot of play can be felt at the trans. Not sure if this may be due to both drivelines have slipyoke...?(two piece driveshaft).

Anyways, if a good solution is found, I will post and let you all know how to quiet down some loose linkage.

Mike

[zieg85]

My old 72 had a bunch of movement.  I found a broken motor mount.  Mine was a year old.  My TC shifter rattled.  I took it apart and bushed it with a nylon bushing.  I don't remember exactly how as it was over 20 years ago and several hundred vehicles ago.  I hate rattles...

[76_Scottsdale]

Here's exactly what you do. I had my NP205 out when I was replacing my tranny. I too had the annoying TC shifter noise. The shifter itself pivots on a bolt that goes into the 4x4 adapter. Remove the bolt and put a little black tape or something around it to make it a little bigger diameter but not too much. Then coat it in axle grease and lightly tap the shifter rod back onto it. You can also add some washers to the bolt to take away side to side slop.

[78ScottsdaleK20]

I thought that would be as easy to fix. I thought of another way, and use some weather stripping, the kind that is foam with an adhesive backing on it. It comes in a variety of thicknesses and widths. I suppose you could wrap some of the sloppiness up and fit it all back together and that'll be the end of that annoying problem.

I am not kidding this thing sounds like something underneath is going to fall to pieces. I'll reply back to let you know how it went. If that fails I'll shim it some other way. goodbye rattles!!!!!!!!!

Thanks

[78ScottsdaleK20]

So it was the linkage that was rattling to no end. Mostly the lever going to and from the shifter knob to the input shaft of the T-case. So I combo'ed up some electrical tape and washers to tighten it all up.

Still has a little kick back at the tranny with the driveshaft when on the throttle heavy, then letting off abruptly. Could be just the way the two piece driveshaft is. Its pretty old, and the guy that rebuilt the front, said that might eliminate and go away if a new one was on. Didnt sound like he was only interested in selling me the $250-275 shaft. Just an honest kinda guy. He also did my bro's on his jeep twice due to a lift, and he likes cash deals...

[1976Scottsdale]

Don't feel bad, I think my 203 is just gonna throw the chain at me one of these days... I can hear it hitting inside the case.