How much play should there be in a Dana 44 rear axle? I can jack up a wheel, grab it with my hands (top and bottom of tire), and move it in and out a little (maybe 1/32 of an inch), and I can hear a light thud while doing this. Both sides of the axle are exactly the same. This is a mid
80s CJ dana 44, with fairly low miles (less than 90k), and does not seem to be making any noise while driving. The passenger side does seem kind of tight to turn (by hand), and its not because the brakes are adjusted too tightly (just rebuilt both drums and they are functioning properly).
If I do need to replace the bearings, I will just pull the shafts and take them with the parts to have them pressed on and off. I have never pulled the axles on a D 44, will I need a slide hammer, or will the axles simply pull out (differential was rebuilt last year with new, lower, gears)?
Also, I can get Federal Mogul bearings locally, or should I just order Timkens?
Thanks for any help/advice.