Rear Wheel movement in and out?

[98BlackXSport]

I had my truck up on stands last week to rotate my tires and noticed that my rear wheels move in and out about a 1/4" or so. Pushing them in and out caused a clunking sound. I checked to see if there was any movement by pushing and pulling at 6 and 12 o'clock and at 3 and 9 o'clock. Everything seems fine that way. To me this doesn't seem normal and lately I have felt that the truck seems to "float" on the highway. It is harder to control escpecially when changing lanes. The steering itself seems tight. Any ideas?

 

[MrShorty]

The 8.8 rear end is a semi-floating axle. The axleshafts are held in place by C-clips inside the differential. Some movement (and I wouldn't say 1/4" is excessive) is to be expected.

 

[macanudo56]

The same in mine. When doing brakes I noticed both rear axle shafts move like 1/4" in and out. Mechanic says it's OK, don't worry about it since there isn't any radial play. He also says in case of radial play I would have seen slight seal leaks. Makes sense.

 

[98BlackXSport]

ok, that makes me feel better. Then my front end must be causing the truck to "float". I guess it is most likely my hubs since I am having some problems with 4x4 and the front end is making a whirring or chuffing sound.