1996 Ranger 4x4 8.8" rear end LOTS OF PLAY HELP

[NYTOSC]

Alright guys its a
96 ranger supercab xlt 4.0 5 speed 4x4 3.73LS

Recently I started hearing a ton of noise in the rear end- especially when taking a turn. I inspected one wheel, and noticed this:
http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?p=615787#post615787


Well, I went to jack the whole rear end up, and upon doing so noticed some in and out play on the axles:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qY8EDVM0okk

 

[merace19]

The in and out motion is fine. But to be 100% look at the cross pin in the diff see if its worn. But its normal to have movement like that.

 

[RangerSVT]

The in and out play you are experiencing is natural. What you are doing is pushing the axle in to remove the C-clip inside the carrier. If you change your axle seal, you will need to remove your diff cover, then remove the carrier pin retaining bolt, remove the pin, then push your axles in to remove the C-clips and then you can remove your axles...
SVT

 

[NYTOSC]

The truck is now making god aweful noises in the rear- Im pretty sure the passenger side wheel bearing is going bad.

When I turn the steering wheel it results in the terrible noise.

Is it easier just to swap rear ends?

 

[merace19]

If its the 8.8 rear you just pull the shaft out and the bearing is right there at the end of the tube. Super simple to replace.

 

[NYTOSC]

I guess what I am worried about is it being to the point where it is so deformed from bad bearings where it needs a new axle shaft- is that possible?

 

[merace19]

no not really. Bearing can get to point it could mess the surface up

 

[NYTOSC]

can the axle shaft get damaged?

 

[Bent Bolt]

can the axle shaft get damaged?

Yes.

 

[NYTOSC]

is it common for that to happen? there is play right now with it and it is making terrible noises- I plan to have the truck towed to my parents house, and this weekend see if I can just replace the diff bearing and if that repairs it. If not looks like ill be doing a axle swap

 

[merace19]

Just dont get in hurry. If you can take pics and post so we can help ya. I have never seen a messed up shaft, but anything is possible.

When you get it jacked up. spin each tire by hand and see if you Feel the bad bearing. Believe me you will feel it. If you dont try spinning it by the pinion or better yet grab the drivshaft near the pinion and shake. There should be no up or down movement in the pinion area.

 

[merace19]

 

[NYTOSC]

Yes the rear bearing is definitely shot- Im most likely going to just replace the whole axle with a junkyard one and see what happens from there-

 

[merace19]

Why? Thats a lot of extra work for nothing, unless you putting in explorer axle...

 

[NYTOSC]

cost v benefit

new axle shaft $100
new cross bolt $5
new bearing/ seal assembly $40

145 plus the hasle of dealing with that cross pin

V

60 bucks at a junkyard for rear assembly with core

The original has 245k on it too