Looking at the neighbor's Ranger we noticed quite a bit of play in the rear axle when you push and pull the tire from side to side. How much play is too much before it needs to be repaired? What needs to be replaced?

 

is it just on one side or both? i would pop off the diff cover, and look at the axle c-clips. possibly one of them broke out of place, allowing the axle to slide outwards farther than it should.

 

Equal on both sides.

 

shouldnt be no more than a 1/8th inch

 

It has less than 1/8 inch play. Thanks.