Ranger Rear Axle Play *** VIDEO ENCLOSED **

[tahleel]

Hi all,
One thing that's been bothering me for sometime is the in-and-out play in my rear axle. If I shake the truck sideways, you can hear it in the wheel. I didn't know if it were truly the axle or brakes, but I took the wheel off today to do my brakes and I confirmed it was the passenger side axle.

I've read that there could be some play in the axle, but is this much too much? (Please see video).

Also, when I shift gears Reverse -> Drive and vice versa, you can hear a loud thunk coming from the rear axle. Doesn't bother me too much, but is it supposed to do that? Do you think the in-and-out play contributes to the thunk?

Thanks

-Tahleel

Below is the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8Ix9Xplkhk

 

[-Nathan-]

as the axle is a c clip axle, there will naturally be some play. HOWEVER, mine had quite a bit of play as well, and recently when i took my rear end apart to regear, i found that the carrier actually had a bit of side to side play...the STOCK shims had acutally worn away some, and had allowed extra movement.

 

[NMB2]

thats normal

 

[4x4junkie]

That's quite a bit, but yes, some play is normal.

The play comes from wearing of the clutches in your limited slip. Replacing the clutches should reduce the play (and should restore the L/S's performance too)

 

[Bent Bolt]

That's quite a bit, but yes, some play is normal.

The play comes from wearing of the clutches in your limited slip. Replacing the clutches should reduce the play (and should restore the L/S's performance too)

I agree.