drivers side axle shaft movement

[h82loseejr]

I bought a parts Rig for its 3.73 axles. I am starrting to dismantle it and the Drivers side axle shaft wehre it goes into the carrier has what i would consider an excessive amount of up and down movement. How much is acceptable for the axle to move upward and down if i grab it and try moving up and down? I had priced new bearings for the carrier assembly and they are over 500 from the dealer

 

[carshinebob]

That doesn't sound good. I found the same problem when I got my first Bravada. Front diff was a mess. The LH bearing had failed and then unscrewed itself from the housing. there was so much movement that the front wheels would lock up if I backed up with the wheels turned all the way. The good part of my story was I got my Bravada for almost nothing. It's been a great daily driver for over two and a half years now. ~BOB

 

[Mooseman]

Movement should be very minimal but, if you're already taking the front diff out, it will make it easy to replace the bearing if that's all there is wrong with it.

 

[h82loseejr]

yeah i got a kit and am doing all of them...most were shot anyway got all races out...my friend is going to use an old race and weld a plate on it and hole in the center so i can get the inside pinion race in...tried heating housing and freezing race only go it about half way in....i think i am going to be able to do the whole differential without buying one "j" tool....so with the carrier bearings...where should i start out with placement of the races and adjusters...i know im going to have to set the position and preload...but should i start with the actual race in the center of their movment or should i start more toward the inside and allow the case halves to push them out....also i am not replacing the ring and pinion gears...so i planned on starting with about 2 thou more on the shims to set prinion preload and go from there (was as close as i could get with new shims)