how much play should there be in the carrier bearing?

if I wiggle it there is about 3/16" to 1/4" of movement side to side but it doesn't feel loose and I don't notice a vibration, at least I don't think there is. but I have not gotten a lot of time on the road with the "new to me" truck so far so its hard t say for sure

 

1/4 inch is normal iirc

 

thanks, I was hoping to get some experienced mechanics to respond because I just didn't know

 

When my carrier bearing started to go, I began feeling more and more slop in the drivetrain. Coast along for a bit and then blip the throttle a couple times. If you feel a noticeable "clunk" when you get on the gas, then you might have an issue with the carrier bearing or a bad u-joint. Of course being a broke college kid at the time, I just ignored it until it all but blew apart... don't do that.

 

well this is more of an interest in preventative maint, I know when you let them go bad where its obvious, it can and often does mess with the u-joints sometimes so while its not acting "bad" or making noise or causing vibrations I am aware of, at this point im checking things all over the "new to me" truck for things with excessive wear that need replacing