Front Axle question

[Ritters55423]

I noticed some axle grease under the front of my 1996 V8 XLT and am looking for some feedback. The connection between the passenger CV joint and diff case somehow spread apart, so I could see what looks like the axle shaft. I popped it back, but the gap still looks a little too wide. Can anyone tell me if this is a problem I need to get taken care of sooner rather than later?

Below is a picture of what the gap looks like now. The drivers side has virtually no gap.

Thanks,
John

 

[dynamite196]

the pic didnt work can u repost it?

 

[Heavymentill]

From what I can see it looks like your cv boot is missing.

 

[Ritters55423]

From what I can see it looks like your cv boot is missing.

Actually the CV boot and joint is to the right, just off the picture.

 

[dynamite196]

ya the boot is def there and that gap shouldn't be nearly that large how are the ball joints and what how much play do you have on the halfshaft?

 

[Ritters55423]

ya the boot is def there and that gap shouldn't be nearly that large how are the ball joints and what how much play do you have on the halfshaft?

Not exactly sure how to check the ball joints or halfshaft play. There doesn't seem to be any excessive steering play or abnormal tire wear on the front, although I know I should probably get the tie rods/ball joints checked for safety sake. Other than the gap shown in the picture, nothing really seems to be out of whack.

 

[dynamite196]

grab the half shaft and try moving it