Hi, since i got the manual box, there seems to be a 'clunk' noise when letting the clutch out when changing gears and going to accelerate.

It feels kinda like something is spinning and taking up slack then clunks when it engages. Has new clutch and machined flywheel.

Could it be the diff? I noticed there is slight play with the tailshaft, when the car is stationary, the tailshaft can be turned by hand maybe 10mm, is that normal?

are you applying the accellerator before the clutch has picked up properly? when the mrs drives my car she makes it clunck as she gets on the power too quick

Its the diff, specially if you turn the tailshaft that much.

Too much backlash, so either fork out for a diff rebuild or put up with it.

Check the uni's too. i've seen a couple of mates with that problem. just kept driving till one night their rear uni's crap emselves and break

Uni's dont have 10mm of play in them. If they did, chances are they would be snapped in half.

Auto boxes tend to hide problems like this, as they only time you will get a clunk is shifting into gears with the foot on the brake. Now you have a manual, your tailshaft is like an on/off switch when you apply the power, hence the clunk.

I have the exact same problem now I put in a manual box too. And I've got a new tailshaft in there too.

Some good advice there fellas thanks. Arm79 you were spot on with the autobox hiding the prob, mine only did it when slowing down while it shifted to 1st it had a small 'clunk'.

So what specifically outta the diff am i looking for thats causing this 'backlash'? Just so the mechanic doesnt tell me "well look mate its all faarked gonna need to replace everything blah blah......"

Will check the uni joints too