I had a bad Cv Shaft on my 09 Ram 1500 4x4.. Was really stubborn to get it to pop off at diff end, but finally did but the little 6inch or so shaft came outta diff and stayed connected to old shaft.. I noticed that it was really wobbly on the old shaft as well. . I pulled it out, it looked fine, no wear or breaks.. Stuck it back in the diff till it locked and installed my new axle,til it locked.. all back together it wobbles side to side at diff end when I move it by hand.. Was kinda scared to drive it, but when I did, no problems..No noise or shake. Try in 4x4, works perfect. and while in 4x4. I tried and no wobble.. back in 2wd.,. I can move it side to side again.. I know it's locked, I tried pulling on it and it won't come out.. the old one on the other side has the usual,slight movement..not like this.
Is this normal?

 

You sure the wheel bearing doesn't have play in it? Or the axle nut shim isn't missing?

 

On my 06' i had to have both front axles replaced because when i had the front struts done they ripped the axle boots on both sides (but that is another story).

In any event, i too noticed the amount of play in the axles and thought it could not be normal. The shop that did the work said it was but if i was not satisfied they would pay to have the work done be my Dodge dealer. I took it there and even they agreed it was totally normal. I drove the truck for another almost 50k miles before i traded it in and never had any issues.

 

No TNtech the bearing and nut are fine, it's the other end of the shaft, at the diff that has the movement...
And NV290 that makes me feel alot better.. As far as I know theres nothing I could've done differently, Hopefully it works out fine..
Thanks for the input.. Hope other guys can confirm this aswell.

 

Oh ok, sorry. If the movement was excessive, you would think that the seal would be leaking...oh well.