I am ready to move on to the next problem.  When I last had the rear wheels up in the air i pulled the bottom of the tire back and forth and felt some slop.  More that an 1/8 th and less than a 1/4.  My question is what is normal and how much can you have before something gives.  thank you again...obrian

Sounds like you need bearings, but to verify you will need to measure the play according to the directions given in the FSM.  Play should be measured at the hub itself and should not exceed .005" according to my 93 book.

It's possible the nut on the axle(s) is loose, causing the play. Remove the tire/wheel, and check the torque of the nut. If it is loose, it needs to be tightened to spec, which I don't have in front of me at the moment.
My '85 was loose like that when I bought it in '98. I tightened the nuts up, and it's been going great every since. Mine were loose enough to cause handleing problems, but the weren't making any noise.