Technical rear pinion

I noticed when removing the drive shaft on my 1951 ford the rear pinion seemed to have some play in it, maybe 1/4 to 3/8 inch back and forth. Is this normal or should I be concerned? I'm in the process of replacing the rear universal and the rear pinion oil seal. Any advice would be appreciated and thanks for all the help I've received from this site in the past.

 

Should be no play at all. Is the nut holding the U-joint yoke to the shaft tight?

 

I understand the setting of this nut is very touchy, can you just tighten it to take out the play'

 

A basic question......you typed "back and forth". Do you mean rotational play? Or do you mean the pinion moves forward and back?

 

rotational play not in and out

 

^^^^^^^^ what he said,a little rotational play is fine but you don't want in and out, or up and down play