what does it take to do the front axle seals they are starting to leak

 

i very HIGHLY RECCOMEND that u buy the seal replacement kit from quad4x4.com. I used it for replacing my passenger side seal and it is FOOLPROOF! it comes with step by step instruction with color pictures. I beleive its around $150.

for the passenger side, if you have the kit, you will need to remove the axle nut, hub nuts, hub assembly, outer shaft and output shaft, if you dont have the kit youll have to remove the carrier. the driver side is very similar except, regardless of whether or not you have the kit you have to remove the carrier.

id reccomend u-joint replacement as well as checking to see if your hub assemblys are in good shape. also get the outer axle shaft bushing and output shaft bearing. all those things can lead to seal failure. be sure to check the sealing surfaces for burrs or inconsistencies as well

 

it requires basic tools, and a big breaker bar....can be done in about 4-5 hours.....setting the seals in right sucks, you need to make your own tool for this.....its hard but easy at the same time.

 

1. dismantle truck.
2. replace $5 seals.
3. reassemble truck.

its a sizeable job, and replacing the drivers side requires removal of carrier. you don't have to have a case spreader, but you need some force to get the carrier out. a come-along and a strap work well. also, you have to remove the front wheel bearings and axles, which is sometimes easy, and sometimes a real mf. i refused to pay the high price of the quad4x4 tool, so instead i spent all day making tools. naturally the 2 sides need 2 different size tools. thanks dana.

here's the best pictures.
http://www.pavementsucks.com/tech-article-3.html

search this site for a million threads.

 

i got my carrier out with two prybars that werent even that long maybe a 2 foot one, and a foot and a half one, and i was able to get carrier out, but it does take some muscle.