Rear Axle Total Backlash Check

Park the vehicle on a flat, level surface.
Move the transmission gearshift lever to the neutral position. Apply the parking brake and jack up the vehicle.
Turn the propeller shaft clockwise as far as it will go. Make the mating marks on the dust cover of the companion flange and on the differential carrier.

Fig 1: Turning Propeller Shaft
Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
Turn the propeller shaft counterclockwise as far as it will go, and measure the amount of distance between the mating marks.
- Limit: 6 mm (0.2 inch)
If the backlash exceeds the limit value, remove the differential carrier assembly and check the following.
- Final drive gear backlash (Refer to FINAL DRIVE GEAR BACKLASH ).
- Differential gear backlash (Refer to FINAL DRIVE GEAR BACKLASH ).
Fig 2: Turning Propeller Shaft
Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.