Replacing rear axle c-clips/cross pin?

[HaynStang]

I have some side to side play in my driver side rear axle. Probably about 1/8" in and out. I'm assuming either the c-clip is worn or possibly the cross pin in the differential. I can tell the axle is moving in and out when I'm driving and it's very annoying.

Where can I get new C-clips and a new cross pin? Do I need to use thicker c-clips when replacing the old ones if they turn out to be worn?

 

[PUNISHER RACING]

you just need a new o ring on the axle behind c-clip get one made of viton

 

[rd]

I would think that was normal, all of mine have that much on both sides. With new o-rings, you may not notice it moving the axles by hand, but it is there when the car sideloads the axle.

 

[TRWXXA]

I would think that was normal, all of mine have that much on both sides. With new o-rings, you may not notice it moving the axles by hand, but it is there when the car sideloads the axle.

1/8" play is normal. If it is more than that, you'd want to inspect the cross pin and axle ends for wear. If you're concerned go ahead and replace the cross-pin. It's cheap insurance.

 

[Mustang5L5]

Where do you even buy C-clips from??? It's not really something i've ever heard of people replacing even though they keep your axles from falling out

 

[PUNISHER RACING]

I have never had either piece go bad from wear The o- rings just take up and deaden the noise made by the slop.

 

[Roland69]

O-rings don't come in there factory do they....never noticed them. Is if the way to fix that little play and noise when driving say on a beach where the car is being shifted around side to side alot..

 

[PUNISHER RACING]

they factory ones were just rubber and usually get ate up, and yes that will quit the noise. I use Viton replacements.

 

[HaynStang]

So I should just go for new O-rings and possibly a new pin? No need for new c-clips?

Where can I buy the o-rings and cross pin?

 

[RYC CUKR]

Not sure about the orings but you should be able to buy a new crosspin and the bolt for it from a local Ford dealer. Some of the online places like 50resto, cjponyparts and such might have it as well.

 

[Roland69]

the pins are alot mor money than I expected....and would you just be able to use a normal o-ring that fits in the c clip grove in the axle

 

[91notchbk]

The cross shaft is very hard and usually never shows wear. I have NEVER seen a cross shaft that has been indented from an axle shaft. Sometimes the clips will show minimal wear (slight). But usually not enough to cause play. As others have stated this is normal.

 

[PUNISHER RACING]

yes they will work but the gear grease eats em up!

 

[67coupe]

I bet your clutch packs are worn. How many miles on the rear end? My car had some side to side play in the axles along with a clunking noise when turning into a driveway.

All of this was eliminated when I installed new clutch packs during a gear install. I noticed that the cross pin had significant resistance during assembly.

Just some food for thought.

 

[rd]

The cross pins will gall in the spider gears over time, or if there is a lube or dirt prob.

I had to hammer one of mine out, an it showed some scoring. I only needed the axles out for removal, so I did not have to use it again, but I was surprised to find wear in that location.

 

[Mustang5L5]

FYI....


New c clips here

Ford Racing M-4050-B - Ford Racing 8.8 in. Axle Installation Kits - Overview - SummitRacing.com

 

[MFE92]

edit: I see this is an old thread and 67coupe already mentioned it but the axle endplay comes from the clutches being worn. The more the clutches wear, the more endplay there is. I spend the time with a pile of shims to get them so the endplay is .001-.003, and by the time they get up to .20 on each side it's time to start thinking about another re-shim, because the trak-loc isn't working as well as it should by then. If all you have is 1/8th inch on each side, you're fine, they could be tighter and your trak-loc might work a little better, but other than that you have nothing at all to worry about except pad knockback if you have rear discs. That'll just add a little travel to the brake pedal.