loose front axle between u-joint and hub
 

well I thought I had a bad u-joint, but it turns out the u-joint is fine, but I can grab the whole axle/u-joint and wiggle it about a quarter of an inch back and forth. It's the driver side of a Dana 44 front axle. I've changed plenty of u-joints in the past, but never messed with bearings or hubs before. Any ideas what's causing the play?? thanks guys

From your discription sounds like it could be the inner bearings. Time for the Chiltons LOL........

It's been a while since I played with a Dana 44 front, but what you're describing sounds pretty normal. There really isn't anything out at the end of the axle tube to support the axle, other than the spindle bearings that carry the stub shaft. If I remember correctly, there isn't any sort of seal in the outer end of the tube. The lube is sealed into the third member by lip seals located just outboard of the side bearings. I would pull the hubs and spindles, and take a look at those spindle bearings. If I remember correctly, they are just little caged needle bearings, and might be worn out or gone. You could also have some wear on your stub shafts, so check everything carefully, and make sure to pack the spindle bearings with good grease.

thanks guys.....like mudder said, time to break out the repair manual. If I have anymore ?'s, i'll post 'em. Later

if i remember correct, when i took the hubs off to work on them, the axleshaft moved in and out about the same amount, and also side to side a bit. i was worried about this, but my dad claims its always like that. have put ~2,000 miles since then and no problems, 4x4 shifts fine.