Drive shaft to rear diff casing gap

Is this small
Gap normal
Between t where the drive shaft and rear diff casing? Look like 1/4”

heard it’s Norma to allow the slip to move. But I got a diff whine and seeing if that could be causing it

 

Yes that's normal and no it doesn't slip in and out. That's a shield for the seal inside.

 

Slip is on the transmission end

Your pinion cap appears fine and the seal must be good with no lube slung around anywhere.

 

If the whine is between a slight acceleration or deceleration, it is normal. I put on bigger MT tires and the noise went away. Well, due to the tires I can't hear it anymore at least. I had the same problem with a Chevy K2500.

 

Thanks everyone.