I decided to change my differential fluid today and noticed that I have about .004" play in both axles when pulling on the hubs. I can pull and push on the axles and feel and see the axle move in and out towards the differential. I measured the play, and I'm seeing about .004" on both sides. Is this normal?

 

Yep. Perfect. any tighter and they will create friction on the cross pin, building up heat and shedding metal, eventually causing a problem.

 

good to know!

 

 

ok 4 thousandths of an inch?
I doubt you could even feel that if you were pushing/pulling on the rotor

so I'd assume you had a gauge measuring it
please answer this if you have a gauge out there measuring the play in the rear axles why don't you know this already?

 

[quote=Ford_Dude;7613938]ok 4 thousandths of an inch?
I doubt you could even feel that if you were pushing/pulling on the rotor
...quote]

+1

I think the average rear axle has a good bit more play than that; maybe even 8 thousandths of an inch...