Transfer box backlash

Got loadsa free play in my transfer box ,with front prop removed i can turn the output flange about 1/2" or so. With the handbrake on you can rock the vehicle back and forth quite a bit 2- 3" i suppose .

whats all the talk about cross drilled input gears ,relevent or not ?? there is a square plate under the transfer box ,looks like a good place to look at the innards ?

Any pointers ,or advice please

cheers mike

i would say 1/2 inch is nowt but im not a perfectionist

its play in diffs and maybe prop that you can feel by rocking vehicle with hand brake on,with front prop off you will feel play in center diff and gears ,input gear spline wear will show up as clunk when setting off and can be checked by removing pto cover on rear of box ,with sump plate off you can check for free play in intermediate gear with can be adjusted with a 30mm socket on rear nut (carefully)center diff bearings can also be checked for play ,