'02 4x4 280k miles, front left axle stub appears to have a lot of "slop" about .015-.020" vertical movement. Given this is a very SHORT axle and only has 1 bearing (probably a needle bearing) is this something I should check out? I hear a "slap" in the front end on little bumps....and this is the ONLY thing i can find LOOSE.. front end was overhauled about 60k ago.....no other issues but seems this axle stub is "SLOPPY" (to ME)...anybody have "acceptable limits" for runout?

edit...slap i hear is in the suspension somewhere...no doubt about that... But unable to find "acceptable limits" info on axle stub.

 

Are you talking about the plate the axle attaches to on the chunk?
If that is it one of the Mechs working on a mud race truck said your inner bearings are going bad or were not set up correctly. He also said that was to much play. Sounds like a lot to me. There are two bearings and their stuff in there on that side before they hookup to the chunk.

 

On a 4wd, the front bearing is a >>bolt in<< pack from the back side.
The CV axle protrudes through its spline and held by a large nut on the outside.
Nothing like a 2wd.
Good luck.