Just as the title states, the driveshaft has about 1/4 turn of play. The only two things I can think of are the center bearing (which looks healthy via inspection), and the rear diff (which is a 30k mile VLSD, was also having this problem with the factory open diff). Anyone experienced this problem? The car is getting to the point where it is horrid to drive because of the vibration, noise, and loud clunks when on and off the throttle, due to the driveshaft play. It is getting so bad now, that the clunks from when the driveshaft's "slack" goes taut, under throttle, can be felt in the shifter as well as the rear end, and can be heard from outside the car as a loud clunk. Driving at low speeds the problem is more noticable due to the absence of road noise. I can literally tap on and off the throttle at low speeds and get (clunk [on], clunk [off], clunk [on], clunk [off], etc.) I just recently destroyed a ACT 6 puck clutch I had in the car. What happened to it is the center splines, where the input shaft bearing goes into, got rounded out, and I'm willing to bet its do to the problem I am having. You can imagine what this problem must be like and what it can do to those splines under a hard first to second shift, which I believe is how the 6 puck broke.

The car is a S13.

 

I don't have any help for you, but I was just wondering why the nissan forum doesn't seem to offer too much help? this is a forum that you should be able to get tech help right? Not just look at my car help. someone correct me if i'm wrong....and if you do respond to this....throw in your two cents to help this guy out.

 

Typical shit for a car this age. you can either A)live with it. B) replace it with new parts (not sold in parts only as a unit. C)replace it with a once piece driftshaft or D) sell it and drive a new car.

 

This is why Nissan Tech on this site blows. It's all look at my car or how do I turn a screwdriver, but when it comes to an actually tech question, most posts get evaded.

 

thats normal like jk240sx said for those sx driveshafts.
shouldnt have any problems unless your putting down 500+hp and drive like Mikespeed...

 

Question is though, does the problem reside with the driveshaft, transmission, or rear differential? I've never heard of another 240SX with this problem, and that is my reason for asking the question due to the drivablility of the car being less enjoyable because of it.

 

Check the Bushing that holds the 2 halves of the driveshaft.

 

I had the thing out and inspected the joints, center bearing, and the carrier. They all looked in decent condition. I'll give it another glance when I have the time.