How much "PLAY" in rear wheels is "OK?

[adambant]

In my search for a vibration on the highway (still present after new tires, balancing, and having tire shop double check balancing, new U joints and balanced driveshaft, no frontshaft on vehicle), today i jacked up the rear end and ran the truck up to around 70 mph with the rear wheels off the ground, definitly getting the vibration when doing this. Stopped truck, wiggled, spun and pulled on everything. This is what i found.

Both sides, with tire off ground, but wheels still on and tight lugnuts, if i push and pull on wheel like i want to remove it from truck, it has some "play" and makes a soft clunk.

So, how bad is this, and it is somthing I should be nervous about or just make sure i take care of in the near future? I'm concerned because im making a 1400 mile round trip this weekend to Toronto, Canada.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Adam.

 

[swetrid]

Normal, you always have some play due to the c clip design that holds rear axle shafts.

 

[adambant]

ok, so I shouldn,t worry about it? just seems strange I can do that.

I see your a resident tech in your signature, any thoughts on narrowing down my vibration? Im almost to the point of trying a diifferent shop. Also think i might try rotating the tires and/or removing front cv joints just to rule them out as well. But my gut tells its just sloppy wheel balancing.