Landcruiser rear axle studs

I could be wrong and have been on occasions but I was under the impression that the whole idea of a fully floating axle was that the bearings in the hub supported the vehicles weight and the only function of the drive axle was to make the whole shebang go round.
If anyone has a bit of time on their hands and an inquisitive nature remove the drive axle, loosen the bearing adjuster so there is noticeable axial movement and bolt the axle back in. I'll bet you still have the same amount of axial movement in the bearings.

Cheers
Pop

Yes and that is the problem pop, The axle hides the fact that the wheel bearing require adjustment. The play in the bearings causes the axle hub to move around and places extra stress on the axle studs as the axle flange is holding it all together. If that makes sense..

Gday Pop,
Yep, you're correct - its all fully floating but only when the bearings have no play.

On many occasions I've done what you suggested - but the opposite way round. So I've jacked the rear wheel, rocked it and seen no play, then removed the axle and rocked it again and found a fair bit of play.

I replaced two sets or rear bearings on different Landcruisers recently. On both occasions, I came back a few weeks later and removed the axles and found I had to readjust the bearings because play had developed as the new bearings seated.

I had continous problems with a 75 breaking axle studs
- turned out to be a bent axle. i assume a wonky bearing could place simular stress on them