i went off roading yesterday, and i kept hearing this clunking sound from the front wheels, when i got home i took the wheels off and the outer part of the auto hubs, when i grab the splined shaft sticking out (axle) i can move it up and down like an 1/8 inch. is that supposed to move? and if not what do i replace the wheel bearing? also if i replace the lower ball joints do i need to get an alignment?

 

also i was looking up parts for my front end and they ask 28 or 35, how can i tell, i know the drivers door isnt the original so is there any other way to tell?
its a 1994 super cab

 

There isn't a pinch bolt or nut on the TTB rangers, that splined shaft, Outer drive shaft can move a little with the hub off. If you replace the ball joints I would get an alignment, it's $50 and will save your tires. Jack the truck up and wiggle the tire back and forth with a buddy looking to see whats moving.

4.0 L for sure have the Dana 35

 

thanks man, i didnt think its normal for the shaft to move in there, i wanna pull it apart to check the ujoints in the axle behind it, i gotta find this noise. i moved the tire up and down and i seen the play in the bottom ball joint, do you think the noise can be coming from them? it sounds like metal to metal when hitting bumps.

 

Yes, that'd be the noise they'd make.