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.

 

[Curious Hound]

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

0,030" max on a quick search.

Wow. Don't think I've ever felt one that tight.

 

[scotts90ranger]

If for some reason the axle has a limited slip there will be a lot more play than normal especially when worn... when the spider gears slip you know there's too much play... If it doesn't have a limited slip and if you jack it up you can't pull the axle shaft out with the diff cover on, I don't think I would worry about it... everyone hates on C clip axles but without serious abuse the chances of failure are slim to none...

 

[Flounder]

Thank you Gentlemen for your responses.
Curious hound- Yes I am referring to axial play.
Uncle Gump- Where was that spec from, my search showed nothing?
Scott- My axle is not limited slip. Just curious what causes excessive axial play? can c clips wear that much or is there another culprit.
Thanks again guys

 

[Uncle Gump]

Thank you Gentlemen for your responses.
Curious hound- Yes I am referring to axial play.
Uncle Gump- Where was that spec from, my search showed nothing?
Scott- My axle is not limited slip. Just curious what causes excessive axial play? can c clips wear that much or is there another culprit.
Thanks again guys

A quick search through my factory service manual...

 

[Uncle Gump]

I also just google searched ford 8.8 axle end play spec

All kinds of hits...

 

[Flounder]

Thanks, I will look up my 7.5 the same way.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Thanks, I will look up my 7.5 the same way.

Same spec...

 

[Curious Hound]

Can't argue with that. I'm aftaid the only good one I ever had was my '88 F150 the day I drove it off the lot brand new.

The c-clip is about 1/4" thick, if I recall. So, as long at there's less play than that, at least it won't come out of its hole. I get nervous around 3/16".

 

[Flounder]

Thanks, I just measured with dial indicator. .034- L .035 -R
I will adjust the brake shoes, throw it back together and listen again for the noise. I will find a narrow alley way with walls on both side and windows down to hear better.
Still could be wheel bearings but doesn't really sound like it. Maybe drive shaft u joints. Thanks for the help eliminating the idea of axle movement .