Rear end - how much play on axle shafts?

[Dre]

Question - how much play axle shafts should have? I know it's not normal for the truck to move sideways when you push on it... how do I get rid of that play? washers?

or is it casued by used parts within the pumpkin itself? LS? gears? I have not encountered this kind of play before.

thanks,

 

[IZwack]

Usually its just over like 1/8" of an inch of in/out play on the axle shaft. Note that pushing on the truck itself isnt a good measure because the tire's sidewall also flexes - so you want to remove the wheels and brakes and get to the axle shaft.

 

[Dre]

I know... but when the whole thing moves in turns it gets scary.

it has about 1/2" of play... well, almost.

 

[MrShorty]

Are you certain the rest of the suspension is good?

If it's in the axle, it will be the C-clips. Open the diff, remove the pinion shaft (aka crosspin), and see what they look like.

 

[Dre]

it looks that the entire LS is really worn out... well, will replace and see.

thanks,