I have a 1988 ford ranger 4x4. The rear differntial is leaking oil. I think it might be the pinion seal. but the drive shaft is loose and i ca shake it all around. is this normal for when the pinoin seal goes? or do i have a bigger problem than i think

 

being able to move the driveshaft around is not good. I would say you may have more of a problem than just the seal being bad. If the u joints are okay you may need to get that thing to a mechanic unless you can rebuild an axle yourself.

 

 

yea, there should be very very little play in the driveshaft.

 

thanks guys how long do ya figuer i can run the truck like that till the diff tottaly goes? Or is this a problem i need to take care of now

 

If I were you I would get that taken care of now. You don't want to be on the highway at 65mph and see that diff go. Might be dangerous. Also would suck to be stranded on the side of the road at an inopportune time like at night in the middle of nothing.

 

^ thats what i was thinking, its prob just a bad seal and bad u-joints.