Axle end play - How much is OK?

[my88texastruck]

How much should you be able to move the axle in and out? None? Some?
I have about a heavy 1/8" play in and out. Is this OK?
Thanks in advance!

 

[resurrected_jimmy]

My technical answer is "some" Is this on your front or rear axle and what axle is it? On a front end 1/8" sounds about right.

 

[my88texastruck]

My technical answer is "some" Is this on your front or rear axle and what axle is it? On a front end 1/8" sounds about right.

Sorry, rear. I'm not too well versed on axles - what ever stock would have been on an "88 Burb. I think gearing is 3.73??

 

[resurrected_jimmy]

1/2 ton would be a 10 bolt rear end. End play still sounds about right. If it seems excessive to you, pull the rear cover and have someone move the shafts while you take a look. The axle shafts are retained by C- clips to keep them in the tube and a cross pin that goes through the center of the carrier to keep them from sliding too far in. The cross pins can fail or the retaining bolt can break allowing the cross pin to move. IMO it doesn't sound like you have a problem. I guess I should ask what made you notice the axle end play or what were you working on when you noticed it?

 

[my88texastruck]

1/2 ton would be a 10 bolt rear end. End play still sounds about right. If it seems excessive to you, pull the rear cover and have someone move the shafts while you take a look. The axle shafts are retained by C- clips to keep them in the tube and a cross pin that goes through the center of the carrier to keep them from sliding too far in. The cross pins can fail or the retaining bolt can break allowing the cross pin to move. IMO it doesn't sound like you have a problem. I guess I should ask what made you notice the axle end play or what were you working on when you noticed it?

I've got a vibration between 35 & 45 mph and I jacked all 4 corners up looking for anything loose/broken. That was the only "play" I found - everything else seemed tight. It almost acts like I lost a wheel weight.