Hi,

I just had my 85 245 wagon, B230F, AW70 on a lift for an underbody wash. I took the opportunity to check underneath for anything wrong. While grasping the front portion of the propeller shaft with my hand and moving it, I noticed that the shafting which the front yoke attaches to on the transmission tailshaft moves inside the housing by about 1/16" of an inch each way. I can't see far enough inside to see if there's a gap but some ATF seems to be leaking out. I check the ATF level ocassionaly and top it up by 1/4 quart every 1000 miles or so. I would like to know the probable cause of this free play and what would be the probable parts that would need replacement. Also, when replacing the tailshaft bushing and oil seal, is a special tool necessary? Is there a bearing that is easily replaced?

When driving, I can hear some clunks as I work the shift lever from park to reverse to N to D, even while stationary. There is also an audible clunk as the tranny upshifts, but only from 1st to 2nd. Thanks.