I dropped the drive shaft on my '81 300TD to replace the intermediate bearing/bushing and the flex discs and noticed that the flange on the trans output shaft is very loose. More loose rotationally rather than end play (although this a little), but something is definitely bonkers.

I've ordered the tool for the nut, but I need to know what to expect when I get the flange off. What usually wears here--the flange female or the output shaft male? I'm wondering if I'm looking at a buggered transmission or just a worn yoke.

Thanks for your help.

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1981 300TD 310k miles
1970 280sel 172k miles
1966 230 Fintail 162k miles

"Where are we going? And why am I in this hand basket?"