When I was doing brakes I noticed that the shaft moves up n down in the axle tube a good 1/4" when rotating the hub. My question: is there a bearing in the end of the axle tube behind the plastic disk that the shaft rides on? And if there is one will I need a puller to get it out? Also will I have to open the diff. For any reason to remove the shaft? Such as a "C" clip like on thr rear end

No c lip in the 30. also there is no bearing at the ends of the axle tube. if your shaft is moving a 1/4 inch then you need to check the hub bearing and the u-joint.

Thank you that's the info I am looking for must be the u joint the hub turns smooth with no play when I push/pull on the tire top.

its probably the axle u joint

I just replaced the whole mess, ball joints, u joint, hub, rotor and pads

Thanks for the input guys hitting it with the PB goin to get at it sa soon as the weather improves a bit no garage to work in