Rear Wheel has Rotational Play

[radionovember]

Ok, so when I jack up the back end of the car (82 Fiat Spider 2000) and I try to rotate the right driver side rear wheel, It kinda spins free a little before it clicks into the actual resistance of a normal wheel. The other side doesn't do this so it seems that somethings wrong here... I just don't know what. Its firm when I tug at it top-to-bottom and side-to-side, but that brief couple inches when spinning where the rotor slips through the caliper before there's any resistance... I'm not sure what would cause that or if it's something serious. Any help would be really appreciated. Thanks..

[azruss]

there will be some play with wear in the diffy. when you rotate watch the driveline and the other wheel closely to see if they move as well. How does the car drive. there is only a few things that could create play like that and they would all show up as driving problems. badly worn u-joint in drive shaft, very worn diffy, busted axle shaft.

[radionovember]

Yeah, the other wheel on the rear pass. side rotates in the opposite direction as soon as the wheel I'm turning engages. No play in any of the other wheels, just that one. Also, it seems to drive pretty great... I don't notice any drivability issues. I mean, I have a shutter thats developed under the car to the right but only between 2 and 2.5 rpms and I'm assuming it's just a heat shield or something. Other than that, nothing.

I paid close attention last night driving home and I could hear any noises from the rear at all. Nothing from the front but the engine. Stays on the road and handle pretty good.

Maybe it's nothing.. I just didnt want to wait till something was in really bad shape before I looked into a problem.
Thanks for writing be back and giving me some thoughts on this, azruss. I really appreciate it!