Truck Repair: rear axil, gmc sonoma, axle bearings

Question
I have a 94 gmc sonoma and I was changing the pinion seal and when I was jacking up the truck I noticed that their was a small amount of play in the axel (end play).  I was wondering if their is a set amount of play or how can I correct it.  Any help would be apprecated thanks

Answer
Hi Jeff,
A small amount of play is normal. The way the axle is held in is with a "C" clip in a groove in the axle.
Then the axle slides into the spyder gear so the "C" clip is caged where it can't fall out.
Then the spyder gear shaft fits loosely between the inner ends of both axles, and just keeps them from sliding inward, which would allow the "C"clip to fall out.

I don't know what an exact measurement would be, but if it isn't moving more than about 1/8 inch, I wouldn't worry about it.

On an average car or truck with rear wheel drive, you can stand beside the rear wheels, and push/pull, and feel and hear it moving sideways.
The axle bearings are flat roller bearings, and makes no difference to them if the axles moved a half inch. The seal is the only thing that needs the shaft kept where the lip makes contact with the mating surface, so if you have it up, and can just feel a little end movement, that is fine.

Van