Re: Driveline slop (backlash) 4KQ & 80Q

[JShadzi@aol.com]

    I think mostly what you are experiencing has less to do with the actual 
driveline and more with mushy motor mounts.  When the engine tries to apply 
torque to the driveline, the initial twist is used to compress the motor 
mounts and inch or two before any of it gets to the CV joints.  I even had 
the same problem on my Coupe GT-it basically feels exactly like the quattro 
in this same respect.  I was able to rectify the problem however.  At my web 
sit you can see a set of motor mounts I made out of high durometer rubber:  
web.csuchico.edu/~javad
    Though the actual engine mount bracket was completely isolated from the 
frame by 80 durometer rubber, there was an incredible amount of vibration!  
The whole car shook like a dragster or muscle car.  But the ride was 
transformed -razor sharp throttle response, and believe it or not, the car 
handled considerably higher handling limits because the car was so much more 
responsive to throttle inputs in the corner than before.  I would beg to 
differ that there really is no _real_ slop in the driveline, but only in the 
motor mounts.  Just give the intake manifold a good push and see how far even 
that small amount of force will shift the motor...now imagine the full 
reciprocating mass of your motor.  This problem is even further aggrivated 
when the mounts are worn or broken...
Javad