Rear tires have play!!

[gertsdsbs]

So i hear these clunking sounds coming from the back and i tried to find out the problem and I jacked up the truck and started pulling the tires Grabed them at 7 and 4 oclock. So i pulled them towards me and and away from me and they move in and out. Is this normal. It does it with both wheels. At first i thought it was the bearings so i changed them and it wasn't . I just wasted my money. Its a 1986 ford freaking ranger 2.9 4wd. Thanks!!!!

 

[4byRANGER]

the differential spider gear pin holds the stock ls(limited slip) s shaped thing. mine broke and the void in the pin allowed my rear axles to move like yours.

 

[irishblessing]

its normal for a little bit of play but if its excessive
i had the same problem i heard clunking going around corners i traced the sound turned out it was just a loose bolt on my front sway bar i tightened that up and no more sound

 

[AllanD]

The important thing is how much play?

As for there being axle shaft end play the bearings do NOTHING to
control that as the axle shaft is free to float in the STRAIGHT roller bearings.

what you are feeling is end play allowed by the motion between the axle "button tip"
inboard of the C-clip groove limited outwards by the axle pinion gear and inwards by the spider gear cross shaft.

IF you have a limited slip clutch wear in the limited slip can greatly
increase the end play... literally until the diff "Spits the clip"
and the axle shaft walks out of the axle.

AD

 

[gertsdsbs]

Thanks.

 

[Blueranger99]

my rear axle has done that since i got the truck, but not when im turning onto a street, only when i turn into the driveway over at my parents house because i am turning over a curb.