I just replaced my driver side axle and there is a lot of play in and out of the tranny. There's no leaks and the car drives fine. I even checked the distance between the tranny and the axle on my car and my wife's '96 and it's about the same. I can grab the axle and slide it in and out about 1/4" (maybe less). The axle slid right in and snapped into place. Is there a problem here or is this okay?

 

If you mean the part where the rubber boot is, that is normal. It HAS to have play in order to deal with the steering, up/down movement of the suspension. However, the part that goes into the transmission should have ZERO play in it.

 

It's the shaft that is moving in and out a little bit. Is it not in all the way, or is the another problem? The snap ring snapped into place and you have to use a pry bar to get it out so I thought it was in. Any suggestions?

 

If its not leaking then dont worry about it. I cant remember but I do think in/out motion will have some play. However, up down/side side motion should be zero.

 

I'll just keep an eye on it. Funny thing about it is, the seal was seeping just a little with the old axle. I couldn't get a seal anywhere in town so I stuck the new axle in with the old seal and now it doesn't leak at all.