Transfer case or front diff

[1998Suburban]

First thing is to measure your backlash and see what you have. Pulling the front driveshaft will allow you to check axle and t case individually

 

[DallasTahoe]

First thing is to measure your backlash and see what you have. Pulling the front driveshaft will allow you to check axle and t case individually

Well I don't have a dial indicator to be able to measure it properly but by looking at the amount of movement which seems to be about a 1/2in in one direction. So really since its split, its about 0.25in of backlash. That can't be good

 

[1998Suburban]

Backlash is a touchy thing to measure. Based on the rocking motion in the video you're probably rotating the gear set as well. Pulling the d/s, locking the axle stubs to limit rotation, and using an indicator is really the only way to figure out what's going on. An indicator and magnetic base isn't too expensive and, given the alternative (tearing into the axle) I'd spring for one. If you tear into the axle you'll need it anyway.