Is my not very old passenger side half shaft supposed:

[gnarnold]

To do this ? https://youtu.be/WSh_KPttgZE

[Notmikeb]

Yes. That's normal. the ends shouldn't rotate independently from each other but the plunging in and out is how the axle accommodates the needed length changing as the suspension moves up and down.

[Petros]

correct, that is normal plunge of the joints, required so it drives smoothly over travel of suspension.

to test the cv axle, grab either side of of the joint with your hands (it can be in the car, or out of it) and try to twist the joint in opposite directions, back and fourth (trans in neutral, front wheels off the ground). you may feel a small gap or "dead" spot, this is a worn joint and means it will need to be replaced soon (perhaps a year or more). if there is a large gap or audible click when you do that, it is about done and should be replaced at next convenient opportunity. A new one or good CV joint will have no detectable rotational play in the joint.

Also, with parking brake on, trans in gear and both front wheels off the ground, the left and right wheels should rotate in opposite directions smoothly and same amount. if it is rough, or irregular, something is wrong perhaps with a broken stub or spline shaft (if you are luckly, easy to replace) or something very wrong in the front diff. if axles shafts check out, remove the front diff cover (after you drain the diff of gear oil) and inspect the front diff, diff bearings and the spider gears in the middle of the diff, check for broken metal bits or shavings in the diff housing bottom. if any are bad, misgiving parts, broken, or badly pitted, they should be replaced as a set (best to find a front diff assembly and replace it as a unit).

good luck.

[gnarnold]

Whooooaaaa!!!
I just went that painstaking route with the front diff. I corrected the loose front components .but I'm still leaking that sweet smelling nectar that has become a permanent scent , an all time favorite , your good friend as well as mine , let's give a warm welcome and a big hand to ,all the way from every drive train from here to the Rio grade .let's hear it for GEAR OIL!!!!
YES I put it on my cereal

[Petros]

where is the leak? you need to get after it, topping off the trans is such a pia that there is a very high and real risk that you will end up running it low on gear oil, which means you will trash your trans.

and no more of that unique gear oil smell as well.

[gnarnold]

It's leaking out of the rear diff I put a new gasket on it and it still leaks .I bought the gasket .but I have the stuff to make my own gasket maybe I will try that

[Petros]

Permatex Form-a-gasket works well on it too, do not put too much, you want to avoid squeeze out. and do not overtighten the nuts, that will also make it leak. Tighten them in an alternating sequence so it goes down evenly and seals properly.

[Gottolovem]

I use Rightstuff by Permatex
It has yet to fail me

[gnarnold]

I can't find the torque specs on the bolts that hold the propeller shaft yoke to /inside the diff

[ARCHINSTL]

I can't find the torque specs on the bolts that hold the propeller shaft yoke to /inside the diff

31 ft-lbs.
Page PR-2 of the FSM.
Tom M.

[gnarnold]

Thank you sir I plan on attacking at dawn never know what hit it .flank it from the rear.