Play in rear diff

Should there be any play in a rear diff, was getting a vibration that was getting worse.
With the rear end off the floor, I can get about 10deg of movement in the wheel till it starts to move the output shaft to the prop.
I am assuming that the pinion and crown wheel should be fully meshed.
Have dropped the prop off and no vibration at all.

Had a recon vcu with bearings from bell less than 12 months ago, there does not appear to be any wear in prop shaft wheel bearing and rear drive shafts, I my mind I am nearly sure it is the diff that's faulty, never had to do a diff before so are unsure if the play is normal or not as would not want to change it and not solve the problem, its a TD4 and the old girl had done 190k, apart for this she is running really well.

I can only speak about my own experiences and other advice may differ. I had a vibration from underneath/rear above about 50mph and thought it might have been the diff. In fact is was the rear UJ on the prop. I checked it a few times and sometimes it seemed solid, other times a bit wobbly (strange). I got it off and it was completely knackered. Mine has done 200k KM. New joint and it is perfect.

Worth a look before changing the diff!

Gareth

Thanks for the info,

I did think about that, however the prop is off and I can not get any unusual movement in any direction.

It does appear to be from the rear and more like a tyre out of balance however now the prop is off its fine. Did think about the IRD but its only a vibration no grinding or banging.

It was the play in the diff that had me thinking about the diff being at fault.