Is there any published specs for the end play on the prop shaft? I am wondering if I should shim up the back bearing race to pre load the tapered roller bearing.
not that I ever saw. the fwd tapered bearing is loaded under propeller thrust. the shaft has a thrust washer in a recess on both gears. some only had a thrust washer on the fwd gear. the thrust is transmitted from the propshft to the thrust washer via the splined area shoulder on the prop shaft. no adjustment is nesasary.
There seems to be a fair amount of slop in the clearances, maybe .080 to .100 inches. this in my opinion seems excessive, that's why I am inquiring with those more experience.<br />Thanks
That's excessive. Check to make sure you have both the gear thust washers in place (the 'right' way around) and that the large circlip isn't streached. You would certainly notice if the forward thrust bearing was that bad. The reverse thrust plate thing should be fine if the babbit on it's face isn't worn through.
I am with Paul, thats a lot of play. make sure the revese gear thrust plate is in good shape and that both propshaft thrust washers are installed. thay are about .125 thick or so and if one is missing thats about how much play you will get. that much play may interfer with the shift cradle and clutch assy.