Hi all,

I have a 2WD Suburban with the 6.5 / 80LE combo. The rear output seal was leaking, so I pulled the shaft to change it (and changed ujoints at the same time.) When I got the old seal out, I noticed that there's maybe 1/8" of play in the shaft if I grab it, and wriggle it side to side.

Is this normal, or is there some bearing in it that's shot? I do have a driveline clunk on accell / decell, but I believed that was the splines on the end of the shaft needing to be lubricated again.

This could be normal for all I know, any input?

Maybe I'll just go put it back together and hope for the best, I've searched like mad and can't find much on how much play there should / shouldn't be.

Check for play with the slip yoke in place, some extension housings support the yoke directly with a pressed in bushing. If so, and you have play, the bushing can be replaced separately.
Obviously inspect the yoke sealing area, check your vent for clogs, etc.
If your u-joints were bad, that in itself can make the seal leak from eccentric shaft movement.