Rear Dana 44 endplay?

[arter]

When pulling the 79 rear axle noticed about 1/8 to 1/4 inch of endplay(in/out) from the axle to the tube on the drivers side. No play at all on the passenger side. This is an offset diff D44 with 3.54 and ARB powered by a QT. Haven't pulled the cover yet, hoping to get some idea what to look for first.
Thanks,
Art

[Bob Barry]

The wheel bearing is sandwiched between the retaining ring on the inside and the retaining plate and seal on the outside. There should be MINIMAL play; the only cause for play would be wear in the bearing or the retaining ring sliding off.

It's easy enough to pull the axle to check. Undo the four bolts holding the retaining plate, and use the drum as a puller to knock the axle loose.

[ibnfe]

That's pretty common from what I've seen. Maybe not that much though. More than likely it's play in the wheel bearing. There shouldn't be anything in the differential to cause that.

[<Chris Bishop>]

Arter,There is a factory recall on the 79 for rear axles riding out.I suggest you replace rear axle bearings and seals.
C.B.over and out

[arter]

Thank you gentlemen. New bearing and seals seem to make an obvious starting point. Any ideas on cost? I'll be pulling the cover off anyway to change the fluid and check out the ARB, never seen one up close and personal before smile.gif

Art


smile.gif smile.gif smile.gif smile.gif smile.gif

[arter]

Gotta learn how to control those smilies!

[Bob Barry]

Around here, the seal is around $15 and the bearing (a SET10 or equivalent, which comes with the new retaining ring) is in the $35 range. My local parts-store charged me $15 to press off the old and press on the new. It's easy to pull it yourself and bring it in somewhere; the differential cover doesn't have to come off, if you were wondering.

[arter]

Thanks Bob. Should bearings be replaced in pairs? Sorry for all the rudimentary questions, last night my neighbors asked me why I was doing this, I told them it was part of my continueing education. It really is, I'm learning alot. Tonight I learned what ATF tastes like smile.gif
Art