Front Drive Shaft

[Scott]

How much play should I have in the front DS in 2wd and 4wd?
I'd say it's moving ~1/2" in 4wd and ~5/8 in 2wd.

[Captian Carnage]

What locker do you have ?? My detroit in the rear has more play than my LockRite in ft
In 2x4 the TC is not turning 4x4 the tc is turning thats why its less
If its open that could explain why theres more play in 2x4
Mine in 4x4 or 2x4 in ft has about 1/8 to 1/4 of a turn When its Jacked up thats when the tires start to move
When I Grease the shaft I turn it and try to wiggle it To see if the u joints are good
My rear has 1/2 of turn with a detroit

My Fronts been like this since '05 Its the second ft axle, 3rd gear set , but same lock right

[ZAEDOCK]

How much play should I have in the front DS in 2wd and 4wd?
I'd say it's moving ~1/2" in 4wd and ~5/8 in 2wd.

Scott, can you define play? Up and down at the slip spline in the driveshaft or do you mean rotational play?

If it's rotational, it's a combination of t-case chain, play in the front spider gears and cross shaft. 1/2"-5/8" doesn't sound like a problem. I have about the same in my XJ even though the older couple who owned it only used 4WD in snow.

In 2x4 the TC is not turning 4x4 the tc is turning thats why its less
If its open that could explain why theres more play in 2x4

Without locking hubs, the transfercase is always spinning.

[Captian Carnage]

Yes the TC is always spinning but not engaged

[Scott]

Yes, Rotational play. Thanks.

Brian, No locker. XJ is totally stock.

[Captian Carnage]

Yes, Rotational play. Thanks.

Brian, No locker. XJ is totally stock.

like Joe said the spiders gears have some play( More than a lock rite ) + with the TC locked in The play you get will change
I think its normal