Front Axle Noise

[Sparkplug]

I have an 81, and Ive been getting some grinding from the front driver side. It sounded like metal on metal, bad. It would do it regardless of 2 wheel or 4 wheel drive. It seemed to go away a little in 4wd, but I may be imagining it. I assumed wheel bearings, my wheel had a lot of play. I tooke the wheel apart, got it down to the spindle I think its called. I found out my steering arm was quite loose. I noticed a can slide the axle in and out about 1/4 inch, is this normal? Im a worry wart, and now I think something may be wrong with the inside. But Isnt the wheel bearing the only thing that could make a sound in 2wd? I mean, nothing on the inside of my axle would be spinning right? I just need some reassurance. The outer bearing was good, I have got the inner out yet, but it looks to be trashed. Let me know.

[79coyotefrg]

yep, the shaft should be able to slide in and out about 1/4 inch

i'd be willing to bet  its the wheel bearing, nothing else would make that noise while in 2wd

[79coyotefrg]

but since you are down that far why not go ahead and rebuild the knuckle

but if the knuckle doesnt move up and down its fine

[Sparkplug]

Id do the whole knuckle, but im a broke sob. I bought cheapo wheel bearings, 6 bucks a piece, they just have to last till I find some work. My knuckle was moving, but I tightened my steering arm nuts, and it doesnt seem to move really, maybe just a little. Im finishing the job tommorow, hope the wheel bearing was the problem.

[Sparkplug]

It was the wheel bearings