'03 Ranger 2.3L Single Cab Manual W/7.5" 3.73 Rear Axel Backlash?

[Zunaro]

So, I have 20 thousandths at my wheel hub when I push (pressure towards locking pin) and pull (pressure away from locking pin.) However, when I try to pull the wheel hub in any other direction (up/down/left/right/diagonally) I get zero play whatsoever.
Is this normal? I checked this same test on my Dad's Tacoma and it was solid in any direction, but I have no idea if this is even relevant. I just replaced the spider gears and locking pin because my spiders were worn pretty welll with some pitting and some minor chips. When I had the axels out I looked at them and didn't see anything alarming there, but also not sure what I am looking at on them. Ring and pinion checked out at 13 thousandths, and also were not damaged cracked pitted or anything like that, looked great actually.

 

[4x4junkie]

Welcome to TRS

A small amount of end play is normal for C-clip type axles (the Tacoma isn't C-clip). 0.02" is nothing.
You may be able to reduce it by using thicker thrust washers behind the side gears (non-limited-slip differentials), but it doesn't hurt anything.

Originally Ford put O-rings in the C-clip grooves to help act as a cushion to take up the play, but with as old as these axles are getting, the O-rings often aren't present anymore (IIRC the O-ring went on the side of the c-clip next to the cross shaft).

Now if it was more like 0.2", then you might have an issue (usually it's the clutches are worn if it is a limited-slip diff).