ahhhhh, ur right....I had to think about that for a second. cus then I would be turning the crankshaft as well lolol. and yes the input shaft WOULD turn if there was nothing connected, AND if it was in first gear since you cleared that other stuff up for me...now im starting to understand. helps me narrow down my problem. because if the engine was in first gear the differential would NOT turn like you said BECAUSE you wouldn't even be able to turn the wheel, lest you turn the crankshaft as well, haha!...so...when I [thought] I had the axles in all the way, I put the engine in first gear...I then attempted to turn the wheels (both of them), and both turned without effort, AND they turned independently....so...considering that the transmission was put together properly, it COULD be the axles...stupid axles -_- 2 more questions here...if one axle was connected and the other wasn't properly, would I still be able to turn both axles while the tranny was in gear? 2nd question is what if the clutch is stuck in the disengaged position (meaning I probably need to check my torque, and loosen pressure plate a bit, or check other clutch components). if clutch was stuck disengaged, would it give me these same symptoms? (wheels turning independently while tranny in gear [assuming axles were seated properly])