I have a 1996 ws6 with a ten bolt with 323s with 87k thats all stock. When i pull and push on my axles one side moves in and out about a 16th the other about an 8th inch. Is this normal? If not how do you fix? Other than making a custom c clip that is thicker. I dont see any serious wear and i just put in new c clips cause they were a little worn, didnt do a thing. The only thing i can guess is that the recess in my spider gear that the c clip sits in is worn. theres no serious noise, should i just not worry about it?

Hmmmm...was going to answer this in all sorts of ways, but don't like hit or miss answers. The bottom line is that you need to check the manual to find out how much runout is allowed (axle play). It might be a problem or it might not be, depends upon how much runout is allowed by the designers. If you can have thicker C-Clips made, that would be a pretty good option as opposed to tearing apart the 3rd member to fix it, providing that there is very little wear in the C-Clip holders.

thats not really that much compared to the length of the actual axle threads that sit on the differential but then again its not common either. mine is very stiff to move and has very little play. how long have you had this issue or did you buy the bird like that?? tearing apart the rear end and standing the axles side by side will more than likely reveal one axle is slightly longer than the other of course and will also tell you if they are stock. looks like one axle might have broken and in the past someone tried to match the stock one with one at a boneyard. its crazy how this little c-clip holds everything together which is i think the reason why i would be concerned especially going over 130mph. Your differential pinion, the metal shaft that secures a tight fit between the axles wouldn't happen to be damaged huh?...thats impossible but I bent mine when I wrecked. what work if any that you know of has been done on the differential??

I've seen C-clips break while launching at the strip before, definently would ruin your day at 130+! +1 for C-clip eliminators.