Backlash in the drive line.

Just brought a 94 3.9 auto se, the car drives great but when shifting from d to r theres a fair bit of backlash. Seems to be in the rear prop but could it be the chain in the transfer box ??. Is there anything I can do to diagnose where its coming from. If it turns out to be the t/box how hard are they to remove/replace ?. Another point is somtimes the transmission oil temp warning light flickers, i'm pretty sure this is for the t/box correct me if i'm wrong please. Think this maybe just a dodgy sensor though as sometimes flickers on start up when oil is stone cold. Any ideas will be greatly appreciated. Dan

Mine has a distinct 'clunk' as well when going from drive to reverse although it doesn't shunt or clunk at all in drive when changing gear etc. Haven't had time to get to the bottom of it yet though. Just thought I'd let you know you're not on your own
Your warning light does sound like a dodgy sensor.

I assume you have checked the oil level, because that sometimes causes it.

nothing new, i cant recall ever owning a classic what has not done this.i found if you can get it to idle on the lowest poss revs it has a better chance of selecting quieter.if R is selected soon after D when the engine has first started from cold it can sound painfull i suggest wait for the stepper motor to drop before selecting.as for the warning light it could be a dirty connector or sensor but as stated before check the obvious oil level first

Jack up each wheel in turn , and check for backlash in the half-shafts. The splines in the outer drive hubs wear quite considerably . You will see the wheel rocking back and forth before the driveshaft starts trying to turn.

Thanks everyone, Had a look today and seems when left in park with the hand brake off,whilst getting some one to rock the car you can physically see back lash on the rear prop, so possibly worn prop splines ?
Also nice to see a few locals on here ! bobpm45 & wil2813.