How much in/out play is considered normal for a 12 bolt posi unit? For some reason, I decided to rock the bed of my elky sideways the other day and heard a disturbing "clunk". Jacked up the driver's side and pulled outward on the tire. The whole tire, wheel and brake drum assembly moved outward probably 1/4" before stopping and repeating the "clunk" noise. Jacked up the passenger side and tried the same thing. Barely any movement at all. I dropped by a rear end shop today and asked the counter guy about it, and he said it was normal to have this much play. Is he right? http://www.chevelles.com/forum/confused.gif I trust you guys more than him.

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My Elky (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/djw69elky09.jpg)
Arkansas Classic Chevelle Club (http://www.ac3online.net/index.html)
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Danny Wooldridge
Member #1129
Aces #5044

I don't know, but my '65 has had approx 3/16 end play on either axle since it was new. It doesn't worry me even a little bit and never has.

My $0.02

Drop the rear end cover, pull the C-clips and inspect your c-clips, axles, and cross-shaft for wear. If the stuff looks good...don't worry about it.

I'm thinking that a quarter inch of play, on one side only, is a sign of potential problems.

I'm with Schurkey on this. 1/4 inch is a lot, and worth looking into. 1/8 is acceptable, but much more than that may allow the C clip to fall out, turning the axle loose. Are you sure it was that much?

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'69 RS/SS396 Pro Street
427 4 speed 9"
Byars Performance
High Performance Drivetrain Parts & Service
www.lubedealer.com/biggearhead (http://www.lubedealer.com/biggearhead)

Thanks Guys. I'll check again tomorrow and take some measurements. Kinda scared me. Could see myself tooling down the road and being passed by my left rear tire and axle assembly! http://www.chevelles.com/forum/eek.gif

OK....I must be losing it in my old age. Jacked it up and tried it again. Very minimal play this time. Less than an 1/8". But still enough to "clunk". Could the amount of play change depending on where the axle stops turning? I swear it moved outward "a bunch" before. Or am I worried about nothing?

1/8 inch is nothing to worry about. You could try turning it around to other places and pulling on it, but it shouldn't matter.

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'69 RS/SS396 Pro Street
427 4 speed 9"
Byars Performance
High Performance Drivetrain Parts & Service
www.lubedealer.com/biggearhead (http://www.lubedealer.com/biggearhead)

Thanks Freddie.