In & Out axel play

[Hotweels]

OK i had the back of the explorer up on blocks the other night and noticed that i can move my axel in and out of the tube about 1/8 " is this normal or am i going to lose an axel going down the road?
Maybe its a bad c-clip??? BTW its only on the passenger side.

 

[Robert]

It's normal for every Ford rear axle due to the 'C' clips. I thought it was a problem on my '97 but the shop owner took me around to 2 other Explorers, an F-150 and a full-sized Ford van and showed me that all of their axles would move in and out as well.

 

[Hotweels]

well thanks for the input!
Guess i have seen too many demo derby cars do doughnuts and lose a axel and tire.

 

[Abominous95XLT]

I had the same when I did my U joints. I didnt even think about it till now!