Excessive Rear Axle End Play? ('87 B2)

[CraigK]

In doing a brake job on the rear wheels, I notice that the driver's side axle has a great deal of end play (in and out). It roughly measures at almost 1/10" back and forth. Is this normal? With this amount of end play, would the wheel bearings be seated and functioning properly? If this amount of end play is a problem, how extensive is the repair, and what would it involve? Thanks.

CraigK
'87 B2 AT 4WD

[greenmachine89]

Your rearend if I am correct has a c clip setup so the amount of movement you seem to have is ok. This is one of the only downfalls of your rearend.

[ranger5.0]

In my experiences, the 7.5 spider gears will eat away at the center pin, with 31" or larger tires. I have had center pins wore almost 1/2 way through before I changed them. That is when I went to a factory L S. Randy's offroad said this would help with the wear. It did the job until I was ready for better traction.

[Nobody]

hmmm...... I just assumed it was the side gear thrust washers. I know my 7.5 had a lot of axle endplay on one side. I didn't notice the center pin worn out though. Although the diff was welded up, so the spiders wouldn't move after welding.