Lots of camshaft endplay

[rangerin]

I'v nearly torn my 2.8 completely down and I just realized that there is a LOT of camshaft endplay...about 1/8". I'm not sure of the spec, but I know its got to be way out of range. Is this an easy fix or is a new camshaft in order?

 

[Andy D]

No clue, but I'd be checking the specs and the history of 2.8s You may want to do the cam bearings too.

 

[adsm08]

I agree with Andy that you want to do cam bearings while you have it torn down that far. There just isn't a good reason not to since if you have issues later you have the take everything apart again. Big risk to take to save $80 on a rebuild.

Anyway, an 1/8th inch does sound like a lot of end play for a cam. There is usually a thrust plate that bolts to the block in front of the cam that is supposed to control end play. If either the plate or the cam becomes worn the end play will increase and the worn part must be replaced.