90 Bronco

[kaherc]

I just got a 90 Bronco witha 351W EFI, never had a 4x4 before and I've been trying to find out what kind of rear axle I have with no luck. Can I get a little help on how to find out what kind it is exactly. Also with the rear on jacks, I can pull and push the tire in and out about a quarter inch or so. It's not just the tire that
moves it's the whole brake drum and whats behind it. Its the axle shaft that seems to be moving in and out. Can anyone tell me what the deal is with that. What could it be. Is something missing in the pumkin or a seal that shit the bed? I have no clue and I'm sure with this posting I really sound dumb but, hey never played with axles and stuff. Maybe someone can help me out I would really appreciate it.

[Chris85]

if its still the stock rear end u have a Ford 8.8 rear axle.

i think the max movement on those axles should be less then 1/8". anymore the C-clip would fall out and the axle could slide out but i'm not sure on that.

[saf-t scissors]

Yep... 8.8. If you can pull the whole tire in and out 1/4", I would guess the wheel bearings are junk...??

[kaherc]

It's not just the tire that moves in and out. It's the tire, brake, knuckle, the whole nine. I think it's about an eight that it slides in and out. And while on the road theres a shimy that seems like its coming from the rear end. Also when I shift from park to drive to reverse, anything at all, is followed by a loud clank! it sounds like theres a lot of play in something, I just don't know what. Any clue?

[OffRoadPoser]

Since the axle shaft is retained with a c-clip it is normal to have a slight amount of end play, so unless it move any other direction other than straight in and out, you are probably OK.
The clunk you get from shifting back and forth sounds like a bad rear driveline u-joint, which could also give a funky feeling in the rear if it were bad.
If you can handle a fair amount of e-mail traffic, you might want to sign up for the Big Broncos e-mail list at http://www.bigbroncos.com it is an excellent source of info for full-sized Bronco owners.

[D60]

Originally posted by kaherc
It's not just the tire that moves in and out. It's the tire, brake, knuckle,

No knuckle unless you have rear steer :)

Like Poser said, check the rear d/s u-joints for play, this is probably your clunk.

[Dan-H]

Have you taken a wheel off and pulled the drum to see what's going on?

Have you popped the rear cover to see what is going on in there?

The axle should not have that much play.

And, if IIRC, the axle is semi floating with a retainer plate and a C-clip so it could very well be the bearing.

[kaherc]

What does IIRC mean? And where can I find all the other acronyms?

[Dustball]

If I Recall Correctly