2001 Edge, rear axle end play

[Jeff_pklubb]

Hi, i'm new here, BTW great website. I have a 2001 Ford Ranger Edge super cab V6 4L 2WD. I started out by having to change my rear brakes, jacked it up and when i went to take the wheel off, found out that i had side to side play in my axle shaft.The end play is between 1/8 to 1/4 inch on each side. I know that i have to change the bearings and seals as well but is this end play normal? The differential is opened and everything seems fine with the gears. The spider gear pin is fine as well. What causes this end play and what should i do? Can this be caused by worn c-clips?

Any help will be greatly appreciated,`


Jeff

 

[martin]

Some end float is normal. you would have to measure it to be sure as it always sounds more than it actually is.

 

[Fx4wannabe01]

Typical C-clip axle play. Completely normal. Though, I feel your measurements are exaggerated.

 

[4x4junkie]

It mostly comes from wearing of the clutches in your limited slip differential. A clutch rebuild kit will greatly reduce the end play, although it's normal to always have a certain amount (up to 1/8" or so).

 

[Jeff_pklubb]

Thanks for all the info, it's actually closer to 1/8" of an inch, it just seemed weird when i first felt it.