differential help please

[Dreco]

should there be any play at the input shaft (R200). When I pull on the half shaft, It will move back and forth a little. It's not the Ujoints.

[2ManyZs]

There should be just a little play in the ring and pinion, which would give you a little rotational play, but not in any other plane...in, out, up or down.....

Sounds like it's quite possible the bearings have some play in them.

[Dreco]

would play in bearings result in a louder rear end?? and would play in bearings lead to premature failure. just to make it clear, I'm refering to the 2 side flanges that insert into the R200. Is there any difference between the ones from a early model R200(1976) and a late R200(1981). I wondered if something was wrong with the input shafts of the flanges. the play is up and down. what would cause that type of play?? It seems to be worse on the passenger side than the driver side.