How much play in front axle shaft?

[86ltrain]

I recently had my wheel & Mile Marker locking hub off of my 93 Ranger and noticed that if i grab the outer tip of the drive axle I can move it around alot. The locking hub also appeared to have very fine metal shavings in it, not alot but some. What could be worn that is giving me this excessive end play? Do these trucks have a small roller bearing that the axle rides in like my 86 Chevy 1/2 ton? Any input would be helpful, Thanks...

 

[dogboy]

My guess would be wheel bearings. They will cause play when they are bad/ worn, and they would probably produce metal shavings too.

And, you mean circular movement, not in/ out movement right?

 

[86ltrain]

Yeah, I'm talkin circular movement. The wheel bearings look good though, nice and tight and the wheel spins quietly/smoothly...

 

[4x4junkie]

If the hub is removed, that end of the shaft is now unsupported, it's perfectly normal that it wiggles around in the spindle.

As for the metal shavings, check the condition of the splined washer on the shaft. If it's not lubricated well, it tends to grind in against the end of the spindle for some reason.