play in axle shaft: 8.8

[FortCollinsZJ]

Something sounded loose in the rear end of the Jeep so I did the old pust the jeep side to side trick pulling on the tire carrier (usually reveals a loose CA bolt or jamb nut) but it sounded as if the clunk noise was coming from the hub on the 8.8, So I checked the lug nuts, all tight, jacked up the rear end and grabbed a wheel and pulled, I can push/pull the axle shaft in and out about 3/16" (rough estimate) and it makes a helluva clunk. It's not leaking fluid though, is this play normal? possibly need new C-clips? Im stumped but its getting annoying.

[BigDaveZJ]

I'd crack the cover and see wtf is going on in there. If it's a disk brake 8.8, the caliper should help keep the shaft in. SOME movement is normal on the axle shaft, but certainly not 3/16".

[Varkyl]

That seems like an exorbitant amount of endplay. How much is the axle actually moving? Remember these are c-clip axles so they will move a little and can make a clunk if moved side to side.
Is the caliper bracket tight? That is if you have disc brakes.

[rstrucks]

SOME movement is normal on the axle shaft, but certainly not 3/16".

I'd guess 1/16 to 3/32 is about "normal".

You sure its really moving that much?

[FortCollinsZJ]

I just checked it again, each side is defintly moving, it seems maybe I over exagerated the distance, I'd say it is closer to 1/16" or 3/32" like you all said BUT as far as it being normal I know it didnt used to do this, I here it clunk when I take some turns with bumps, or if I shake the jeep side to side.

I will pop the cover soon. it is a disc brake axle, and the bracket is effin tiight.

what elso could cause this? anyone else?

[DJJordache]

let me guess you have a stock LSD carrier right..... my guess would be excessive wear on the clutch plates allowing extra slop

[rstrucks]

What kind of shape is your track bar/bushings in? Shock and CA bushings?

[FortCollinsZJ]

I have the weird S spring lsd diff... you think it's the clutches? How can I check for that? It could be obvious but perhaps not.

It's not a trackbar bushing because I have no rear TB! I have a 3 link with triangulated claytons uppers. the play is at the wheel hub, trust me on that.

[Varkyl]

If you shake any pickup with a c-clip rear axle back and forth you will get that clunk. The easiest to do this on are the rangers and s-10's.