1990 gmc 10 bolt rear end backlash?

[Thomas]

I have a 90 model GMC suburban with 275,000 miles, with the drive shaft off and diff cover off for inspection and oil change, it has about .5 inch left right movement (backlash I believe its called) when I turn the pinion where it bolts to the u joint. is this acceptable, and is there any easy way I can correct this, there is not a bit of in out movement in the pinion and everything else is tight. but is the .5 inch left-right movement ok for the next 50,000 miles?
any advice on this would be a great help!

 

[Charlie]

That left to right , is the total play of all internal parts clearances.. the back lash is for the ring and pinion for proper contact.... if the rear end is not whining and clanking, there is nothing you need to do but to close it up and put oil and hope to put the drv shaft back in place as it was and hope it won't vibrate. if u decide to clean and grease the spiders , be ready to just replace it cause if u r not sure what to do, you will loose those needle bearings. Fun huh