Driveline slop (backlash) 4KQ & 80Q

[Jim Howes <JKHOWES@prodigy.net>]

This question concerns Audi Quattro 4000's & 80's with 5 speed manual
transmissions and is about the drive line slop (backlash). I bought a
'85 4000 Q with 100K on it. I love the car but was always bothered by
the amount of slop there was in the drive line. When you got off the gas
then back on it again there would be a noticeable amount of backlash
which would have to be taken up before the power would be transmitted to
the ground. You learned to live with it and to step on and get off the
gas slowly. I always assumed that the previous owners must have run the
car hard and/or left the 4WD engaged on dry pavement causing the wear.
I just test drove a '88 80 Quattro, 147K and noticed the same amount of
slop in the drive line. I know this car has never been driven hard and
you can't screw up with the newer type of full time 4WD and accidently
leave it engaged.
So my question for you is...does your Audi act the same? When your 4000
or 80 was new, was it tight or has it always been this way.
Thanks, Jim