front axle play

[shady]

Alright, I just pulled apart my front hubs, removed rotors, and got ready to change wheel bearings.( had a wheel wigglin) I found that my axle shaft sticking out of the spindle is sloppy as h3ll. Easily touches the spindle all the way around. Is this normal or do I have to change the bearing on the back side of the spindle too??? Worked on alot of things, but till now , not many 4x4 front ends. OH by the way its a 10 bolt

 

[496truck]

Nothing supports the outer end of the axle stub shaft when you have it apart. Once you have it all back together it slides into and is supported by the locking hub mechanism or drive slug (depending on which you have). I would say it's good to go. Only way to be sure is to remove the spindle, but you can turn the stub shaft by hand and 'feel' for any binding on the inner support bearing.

 

[shady]

Thats kind of what I figured. I just didn't want to put it back together till I heard someone else say so. I'm trying not to put much into this axle since I want a D60. Just couldn't drive it with the old bearings. I took the entire drivers side rotor off with my fingers. It was never tightened or something.

 

[diesel4me]

There is a needle bearing in the spindle that helps support the outer end of the front axle shafts, but there is no bearing at the outer end of the axle tube,so with the spindles off it is normal to be able to move the axle up and down a good inch..
I dont think there is even a grease seal at the outer end of the axle tubes--every time I take an axle out to change axle u-joints I use a peice of stiff wire with a washer welded to it to draw out as much dirt and muck from the inside of the axle tubes in hopes it'll keep the seals at the differential side carrier bearings from leaking--its important to be careful when installing the axle shafts so the seals dont get cut or damaged or you'll be yanking the carrier out to replace them,or living with a leaky front axle..

 

[sweetk30]

just incase anyone wants this info here ya go.

http://www.longfieldsuperaxles.com/products/New-Dana-60-&-44-Spindle-Bushings.html

http://www.longfieldsuperaxles.com/products/Spindle-Bushing-Greaser.html

 

[shady]

Thanks guys I'm putting it all back together today. I figured I'll wrap foil around the stub and slide it a little into the spindle to support the end. then try to wiggle it at the knuckle joint. If it moves a bunch on the Ujoint side with the outer supported I'll know the bearings bad. If so, them teflon inserts look like the ticket.

 

[shady]

Bearings in back were bad. Changed them and had very little play at the end of the shaft. It'll work till I get a D60