Lateral play??

['99 EB Explorer]

Just wondering how much lateral play the axle shafts should have in the 31 spline 8.8??

Noticed some play when I had the wheels off the ground not long ago. Kinda scared me...was going to look into c-clip eliminators if this is a problem...

 

[t0x1k]

Should be no more than 3/16, any more and the clip could possibly fall out.

 

[4x4junkie]

The in-out play is usually the result of the L/S clutches wearing down (assuming that's what you have). A new set of clutches & shims should reduce or eliminate it.

 

['99 EB Explorer]

I do have LS and I do have way more than 3/16 play. Maybe this is where that mysterious howling is coming from? It's been doing that since I bought it in '09.

Next question:

If I do go with the c-clip eliminators...will a lockrite still be compatible?? I remember reading something about that somewhere, but I can't remember what it said.

Obviously when I get my lockrite, I'll be swapping in an open carrier.

Thanks for the thoughts so far!