80 series xcess backlash in centre diff or clutch

Submitted: Saturday, Jan 14, 2006 at 08:03
ThreadID: 29681 Views:12931 Replies:8 FollowUps:3
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Hi all,

I have a 1991 turbo diesel 80 series cruiser with 280,000 on the clock.
There has been a clunk under the centre of the vehicle for some time. It has developed gradually (over years not days or weeks). It is almost exactly the same as when a diff has excessive backlash. All uni joints and splines are O.K.

It is quite difficult to take off smoothly and to change gears smoothly and reminds me of a performance vehicle I owned years ago with a racing clutch. It is either engaged or disengaged, there is not much in between.

Anyway my first thoughts were that there is something wrong with the centre diff but my best mate, who is a very good mechanic, has driven it and swears that it is the springs in my clutch plate. My cruiser has done a lot of heavy towing and he says the springs have lost their sprung and must be rattling inside the clutch plate and so when you go to engage the clutch the slack is taken up quicly before the springs do their job.

Does this make sense to anyone else?
If the centre diff plays up will it give this type of symptom?
Is is common to have problems with the centre diff in an 80 series?

Your input will be appreciated as I am sure both jobs will not be cheap so I would like to get the diagnosis correct the first time.

Brett
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