Actually, the hardest and most important part is getting the right side seal seated correctly. And making a tool yourself is not precise enough and you'll be taking it apart again and installing it with a real tool. Go here http://quad4x4.com/Dodge%20Frt%20Axle&Steering.htm

And scroll down to INNER AXLE SHAFT SEAL QUADKITS™. Not bad for the money considering what you get, not to mention it will be done right the first time. And since we spend half our time replacing u joints on these things, damage to the seal occurs when the joints go bad or during the removal or install of the shaft. The tool is a must if you plan on keeping your truck for a while and don't want to spend half your life replacing seals. The bushing at the CAD end of the intermediate shaft and the bushing in the CAD end of the outer shaft are also very important.

 

well put sheriff.....its not a hard job, it just involving. its going to take time and you will have to be a little patient. i changed all four ball joints while i was replacing the drivers side seal. it took me about 6 hours. give or take a little. the ball joints were the itch. and as far as the passenger side seal, anybody could make a makeshift bar or rod of some sort with a washer on the end, but having a slide hammer would be best and another person to watch the seal seat from the cad housing and make sure it doesnt go in crooked, otherwise you might as well replace it again if it gets bent.

 

Good luck with the slide hammer(or make shift screw tool for that matter), you could potentially have the spring around the seal pop off and you wouldn't know it untill it's too late.

 

i see your point about the seal but you would have to replace 8 seals without getting one right to justify buying that kit. once you do the initial removal of the axle and put anti-seize on the splines and the threads of the stub shaft then when you have to take it off again it'll be a breeze.

 

You are right, it will be easier the next 8 times you have to replace them/it for no reason. Other than the simple fact it wasn't in right to begin with.

 

You guys kind scared me now! With all this beating and redoing the seals 8 time!!

 

Trying to replace the front axle seals on my '00 Ram 1500 and I have both axles out but can't get the carrier out. It moves about 1/4 inch, then can't move it any more. I saw someone said you need the "intermediate axle out or you won't get the carrier out".

What the heck is the intermediate axle?

 

Pull the cad unit off, pull the shift collar out and grab the intermediate shaft on the left side of the opening and slide it to the right.