I recently had a new motorsports clutch installed, and there always seems to be this slackness in the trans. I forgot to ask the tech ,but maybe I can get it answered here.
Is it normal for there to be slack in the trans, in other words when shifting it seems to be play between the front driveshaft and the trans.
I think he's referring to the u-joints. There is one at the front of the driveshaft and one at the rear. To tell if there is play, you have to get under the car and hold each end of the driveshaft at each u-joint and twist. If you see play, it has to be replaced. It's just as easy to replace both as you have to remove the driveshaft to replace them. BTW, if you remove your driveshaft, make SURE you mark it at the rear where it connects to the rear end to make sure you put it back in exactly the original orientation as it was originally - it's a matter of balance.
I think he's referring to the u-joints. There is one at the front of the driveshaft and one at the rear. To tell if there is play, you have to get under the car and hold each end of the driveshaft at each u-joint and twist. If you see play, it has to be replaced. It's just as easy to replace both as you have to remove the driveshaft to replace them. BTW, if you remove your driveshaft, make SURE you mark it at the rear where it connects to the rear end to make sure you put it back in exactly the original orientation as it was originally - it's a matter of balance.
Good luck....
U joints are good, so this must be normal, thanks all
I recently had a new motorsports clutch installed, and there always seems to be this slackness in the trans. I forgot to ask the tech ,but maybe I can get it answered here.
Is it normal for there to be slack in the trans, in other words when shifting it seems to be play between the front driveshaft and the trans.
The "play" you are referring to is called backlash and yes it is normal. If there were no backlash in the gearset, something would break.
Excessive backlash is not normal. How many miles are on the transmission? Do you have a dial indicator? You can check the runout of the output shaft (backlash) by attaching a dial indicator to the tailhousing case and placing the needle probe of the indicator on the output shaft. Normal specs are about .005". Anything beyond that is considered excessive.
Richard
Tech Support
Tremec TKO, T45 & T56 Transmission Systems
Go with PI heads and quit watching The Fast and the Furious. (thanks 2 IhaveadopeGT)
Remember, it is almost impossible for anyone, myself included, to diagnose a problem over the internet without seeing the car. My advice is simply that, advice based on years of experience. I don't want you or anyone taking my word as gospel. I am trying to give some direction as to what I think may be happening.
The "play" you are referring to is called backlash and yes it is normal. If there were no backlash in the gearset, something would break.
Excessive backlash is not normal. How many miles are on the transmission? Do you have a dial indicator? You can check the runout of the output shaft (backlash) by attaching a dial indicator to the tailhousing case and placing the needle probe of the indicator on the output shaft. Normal specs are about .005". Anything beyond that is considered excessive.
Richard
Tech Support
Tremec TKO, T45 & T56 Transmission Systems
I dont have the means to check the Backlash play, but if it is excessive, what has to be done from there? The car has 34,500 miles.
Go with PI heads and quit watching The Fast and the Furious. (thanks 2 IhaveadopeGT)
Remember, it is almost impossible for anyone, myself included, to diagnose a problem over the internet without seeing the car. My advice is simply that, advice based on years of experience. I don't want you or anyone taking my word as gospel. I am trying to give some direction as to what I think may be happening.
is the noise a clunk sound while shifting? some noise is normal,the rear does have backlash that causes some noise...my question are the mounts on the trans and the diff....the front of diff are common to go bad soon,the are rubber and take alot of abuse,,than with a sub frame noises are louder,,,when i did my front of diff bushings i was getting a loud clunk when just releasing the clutch to start moving...my trans/clutch/and ujoints are still orig,with 243k..how bad are you driving/hard on the car?
2003 Mustang cobra transmission 
(thanks 2 IhaveadopeGT)
