96 Ranger rear axle free play specs

[Flounder]

Greetings members,
Where can I find rear axle free play specs? How much is acceptable? I found some threads where the post said the axle moved 1/4" in and out and a comment saying that is normal. 1/4" cant be normal!
What would cause excessive play, Worn "C" clips? Really wanting some factory specs to know for sure. I have a 16th" on both sides and a rotating scrapping sound on turns. Not a typical wheel bearing sound.
Thanks

 

[Curious Hound]

1/4" is probably toward the high end. But shouldn't be a problem. 1/8"-3/16" is about normal on a c-clip axle.

I'm assuming you are talking about axial play - in and out. Radial play should be pretty darn close to 0. Scraping noise is probably something with the brake drum. If the brake shoes are adjusted properly, they will be just barely rubbing on the drum. They shouldn't make much noticeable noise. But you could hear it while you're there turning the wheel by hand.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Can't measure that with a tape measure... get out your dial indicator.

0,030" max on a quick search.