Had it in today to change rear shocks, and the tech noticed "lots of play" in the Rear differential. I don't notice any drive-related symptoms, everything seems fine (shocks needed to be changed as they were squeaking, originals at 200000km).

My question is: is it OK/ normal to keep driving? I do notice a "clunk" that has seemed normal to me in the 5 years I've had the H3 when I shift into reverse, but thats all. Everything else seems fine drive-wise.

One thing I have noticed lately is a "Stickier" gear shift from park to drive at times. Sometimes its a little stiff, other times fine. I had him look as well and he thinks the gear shift cable needs to be replaced. Cable seems cheap at around $50 but seems like quite a repair to get the new one in.

Any thought appreciated on these 2 issues!

2008 H3 Alpha, 200,000km

 

What is meant by to much play??

There is the yoke
There is the left axel shaft
There is a right axel shaft
Carrier
Bearings
Cross shaft and pin
Outer bearings/seals
Inner bearings/seals

Are the ring and pinion seeing side to side movement?
Is the pinion moving side to side or in out?

If the front end is the half shaft failing?

Etc.

There's a lot of stuff involved

 

I’m not sure I’ll need to have someone check that out.

driving is fine no driveline issues, I’m just worried because he said there is a lot of play and I should have a transmission look at it ASAP. Not sure if he was just over the top but I guess I’ll have it looked at.

what symptoms would this cause/ should I watch for you make sure I dont blow the thing

 

Maybe referring to transfer case output?

If you can get under and check it that would be helpful.

 

So you had a guy do rear shock replacement and he is suddenly an H3 Drivetrain specialist????? Likely he has you spotted for a guy with a wallet and is looking for work to get into that wallet.

4X4 trucks clunk when shifting into and out of gear (Fwd or Rev) at times because.... look at Happy's description.... all kinds of moving parts in play. Shifting out of park can be sticky depending upon whether the vehicle is on a level surface, or parked on a grade or with a tire in a depression in parking surface or up against a curb etc.....

Having said that, have you ever had the differential fluids changed? When was the last time?

 

Was the squeak coming from the shocks, or the pinion bearing? You can crawl under and confirm:

 

You can crawl under and confirm that too:

 

On a side note, I've been in the automotive repair industry since the '70's. Back then it was, "fix whatever breaks", however with today's technology, preventative maintenance is the key, and could save you thousands down the road.

 

I don't hear a clunk, on my '07 with all oe suspension(except shocks) and drive train. Last time I checked, all still tight! 13yrs on tie rods, ball joints, cv axles, drive shafts cv/u-joints, wheel bearings, trans/tc/diff bearings, diff/control arm bushings, bump stops, etc. I owe it all to my shocks.

 

Every GM 4X4 truck I have ever owned, 1975 K5 Blazer through my current 2009 H3 Alpha clunks once in a while shifting into and out of drive/reverse. Depends upon the drivetrain load at the time.

If your truck ever left the pavement, might be a different story. .