Hi, I am totally new to all this as never been on a forum before so please bear with me. I own a 1997 2wd Ram1500. I have just put it through a U.K. Mot (yearly safety check) and the testing guy checked for movement in the rear wheel bearings. There is no side to side movement nor any top to bottom. But when he pulled the wheel straight out the half shaft had movement in and out. He said this is fine and is expected with a floating diff? Not sure quite what he meant but I always thought that there should be no movement at all in the rear axle. It was the same on both sides of the truck with about the same amount of play. Can anyone tell me if this is correct and if so how much end float should there be (straight in and out) on the half shafts. Cheers.

 

It is indeed correct, should move an eighth to a quarter inch. (I will let you do the conversion. )

The axles are held in by c-clips on the inboard end of the axle. A bit of movement is expected.

You have a 'semi-floating' rear axle. What this means is, the outer end of the axle actually bears the weight of the truck. On a full-floating rear axle, there is a hub and bearings that bear the weight, and the axle simply provides the power to turn it. (much stronger)

Welcome to DF!

 

Hi, thanks for the info. This is my first American truck and have never come across this kin d of rear axle and there is no info in the manual so it's great to have this confirmed as being correct. Many thanks HeyYou for your help.

 

Go to the FAQ/DIY section and download one of the free service manuals, and get your hands on a Haynes manual. This way you'll be able to read for proof of anything a mechanic does to it in the future. Plus, I bet the specs are in it as to actually how far the axle should move. And btw, get a build sheet for your truck.

http://www.dodge.com/wccsapp/univers...ull&category=R