Hi Owen,

If that is the same Dana rearend that is used on 240's of that vintage, the axel shafts are splined and free to move in or out of the differential. The outer bearing, held in place on the inside by a pressed on spacer and on the outside by a locking plate, should be holding the axel in place.

All the rear outer bearings I've had out have been ball bearings so there is no adjustment. The bearing runs in grease and is sandwiched between inner and outer seals. An inner seal failure will lead to the rearend oil washing out the grease
and premature failure of the bearing.

By 'back and forth' do you mean in and out of the differential ? and can you measure 'a lot'? When were the bearings last serviced ?


It it was mine I would pull one of the axel shafts and see what's going on. It's not a big job.

Peter