I know that the 8.25 axle is suppose to have some play side to side, but how much is too much? when im driving down the road and swerve side to side or hit a big enough bump i can hear a loud clunk in the rear. I picked the back of the jeep off the ground and can move the tires in and out a small amount, but it makes a clunk from the rear diff. I know something isnt right becuase ive never heard this noise before. Any ideas as to what the problem is? Need to fix asap because this is my daily driver. please help

 

The only thing i can think of that would clunk in the center is the axle hitting the center pin. That would be a lot of play

 

How much play is normal? and how much play would it take to hit the center pin. I would say the play is around 1/4 if not less

 

Is it possible that the c clip broke? Or would i just be able to pull the whole axle out?

 

pop the cover off and see whats going on inside the diff. its better to be able to see inside and examine all the parts, then to guess whats going on.

 

Agree with rweaver, just pull the cover off. Get a five dollar tube of rtv or gasket and have a look.

 

Sounds like a thrust washer behind a spider gear may have expired.
They are pretty easy to replace.

I also moved this to oem tech.

 

Well I compared it to my buddies jeep last night and both of them do the same thing. I'm beging to thiink its the front bolt on the passenger leaf that has some play in it. I need to get it on a lift and see if I can move it around. Thanks for the help all. At least its nothing in the diff I guess ha