Front drive output shaft play

Noticed the seal leaking on the front drive, output shaft. I replaced both u-joints on that shaft about a year ago and keep’em greased regularly, along with the slip yolk. Once under the truck I pushed up on the yolk and noticed some movement. More movement than I like. I think there’s a 12 point 3/8” bolt or two, that hold the seal. Once I drive the u-joint out, remove the nut and pull the yolk, is there another set of bolts that hold the shaft in? Is there just 1 bearing?

 

What about the play that’s in the yolk/shaft?

 

I’ll tear into it probably Thursday. I was just in there about a year ago, to put a new seal in. I tightened the nut with a 3/4” impact and thought I had it plenty tight. Where the yolk slides on the splined shaft, is there a bushing behind the seal? I apologize, the truck is a ‘87 379, with 3:55 rears.

 

Absolutely. That’s what I did when I replaced that seal and U-joint, last year.

 

What’s the torque specs for the nut? I’ll probably buy a new nut and if it appears I need a new yolk, then I’ll get one of them too.