Transmission clonks and propshaft cap?

[Stag About Town]

I took my car to my local garage yesterday to investigate what I thought was a UJ problem, turned out to be worn drive shafts I have to change. An "old school" mechanic helped identify the problem and, emerging from the pit, he said he had tightened the "propshaft cap", which was loose, with a pair of mole grips and if I had been experiencing heavy clonks on taking up drive, I could expect it to be much better. I have raised this issue of clonks many times as have other members and have never seen any reference to a propshaft cap (could be a collar or something I suppose). He vanished before I could explore this further and I wondered if anyone on the forum can enlighten me. If not I will seek him out again. The car certainly seemed better on the short trip home despite the worn drive shafts but too early to tell really. Type 65 auto.

Thanks in advance
John

[flying farmer]

The only thing I think he could mean is the collar on the sliding spline that retains the felt grease seal. Can't see how that could make much difference to the clonk though.

I often find that the greatest amount of play is actually in the diff. The brass thrust washers on the planet gears wear thin and allow a huge amount of free play, several times that to be found in the splines.
Neil