engine and drivetrain differential behaviour

[bills2002]

I am about to put the project car on the ground and wire up the engine. I connected the driveshaft last night and it went in great. Today after I had put the car in gear to check clearance of the shift linkage, the prop shaft wouldn't turn...that's good. But when I was messing around with the rear end I was able to turn the rear wheels by hand, with it in gear...not good?

Or is this appropriate (the rear wheels both turned in opposite directions)?

UhOh, I am starting to feel the heat of flame coming on, you can call me a noob on this one;-)

[bills2002]

Whew, disregard! I had a helper hold one rear wheel in place while I tried to turn the other. With the car in gear it wouldn't turn but when I took it out of gear it spun easily. This must be normal behaviour...go back to your regularly scheduled programing.

[M3M3]

those are the normal indications of an open diff. no problems.

[Friedrich]

I won't repeat what others have already pointed out. Just remember this; the only dumb question is the one that never got asked. I am a 65 yr old BMW tech and shop owner and I learn things EVERY DAY! Keep asking!