Clunk from rear end/differential

[lawnboy-5247]

I'm currently at 40000mi and I have noticed that my truck has a clunk when shifting between drive and reverse. I had someone shift for me and I watched the rear end, there appears to be a few degrees of rotational play in the rear end, It is not from the u joints the input is what turns. I have a feeling that this is somewhat normal but i'm not sure, Is this something I should worry about?

[davester]

Yes, it's normal for there to be play between the ring and pinion gears as you switch between going forward and backwards.

[BigBadSierra]

The sound varies as well if the truck is on slops. The click or even a slight clunk.

 

When you getting loud clunks and jerking then it's time to start checking things out.