[72projectbird]

I had the back end of my car jacked up the other day messing with wheel and tire combos and noticed the passenger side axle seems to move slights outwards if I pull on the rim. Probably about 1/8", maybe a tad more. The driver side has absolutely zero play in it. Does this sound like worn clips, or something else?

I have no idea on the mileage on this rear end. I got it for free out of a 77 T/A.

[69FIREBIRD76MM]

I believe that is normal, my 12 bolt has some play too.

[Skip Fix]

There is a limit on how much is allowable. C clip wear , axle button wear, posi clutch pack wear needing shimming.There are thicker C clips. or shimming posi unit..

[HWYSTR455]

Type of housing and axle bearings/seals can play a part too. Like the 8.5 in the 442 came from the factory with enclosed axle bearings, and replacement ones are conical. Trying to get those tight is next to impossible, and there's too much play in those IMO. It can impact alignments if it's too much. And that's a plate retainer-type rear.

Have to inspect the housing ends too, if it's ever eaten a bearing, the housing end can be compromised, and cause excessive play.

.

[72projectbird]

It seems to drive fine. It makes a little noise at highway speed, but I really cant say for sure if its the rear end. I just found it odd that one side had play while the other is tight as can be.

I did have the cover off a little over a year ago and everything looked fine. No big metal shavings in the old fluid, and the teeth looked great.

Believe it or not I'm actually still driving my 71 now, even approaching Christmas! The weather here has been great for driving, so I wanted to make sure that little play wasn't something I should worry about.

[Scarebird]

An eighth inch is a hell of a lot in my book - I would pop the cover and see why. As stated, you can get adapter clips. I would examine that axle shaft very closely.

[Skip Fix]

My 78 had so much the drum shoved against the backing plate and rubbed-dealers never figured that out under warranty I found it where I did first performance brake shoe swap(Velve Touch semi metallics)

[72projectbird]

Just a small update...

I jacked the ass end up to give everything a look over and found a puddle of gear oil under the passenger side tire. So obviously something is wrong here, and I'll be pulling the rear end out in the spring.

I found a replacement rear for cheap, I might go that route and throw this one under the workbench.

[Skip Fix]

Just remember that replacement rear might have more issues than the original!

[72projectbird]

Originally Posted by Skip Fix

Just remember that replacement rear might have more issues than the original!

It might. This isn't the first rear end change in this car

I guess I shouldn't complain, the rear in it now is a hand me down from a junked out 77. Ironically enough the rear I found locally is also out of a 77.