1999 Dodge 4x4 1500

I am getting ready to replace the front axle seals and was told by the dealer that the dust seal is only a seal that comes with a new shaft and I could leave mine off (it broke) or buy a new shaft, but purchasing a simple dust seal was not an option.
Are there any other options?

Also, the quad4x4 site and this sight have been of great assistance, but can I get away with using a large socket instead of a specialty seal driver?
Thanks.

 

There are quite few threads on replacing axle seals. Some folks have success with home-made seal drivers, others broke down, and bought the tool from quad4x4... the tool definitely makes it easier.....

You can just skip the dust seal......

 

Have you tried Rock Auto for the dust seal? 5 years ago, I had a light grinding noise coming from my diff. The stealership in Stockton, CA told me it was my diff and that I needed to replace the whole unit. No if's and's or but's about it. So I took it to my other mechanic and it ended up being just me pinion bearing going south. Lesson learned, don't take the stealership's word as gospel.

 

There is a thread floating around here that has part #s for the dust seal.


Here's the thread I was thinking of. https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...axle-seal.html

 

`Thanks for quick reply, I am thinking of leaving the dust seal off totally. It does seem counter intuitive to leave it off but I can see letting water flow back out.

Has anyone had luck with using a 1 3/4 socket for pulling the actual seal? There is a couple vids on youtube doing it. Or maybe just need to get both from quad4x4. Also, is it necessary to get left and right seal installer? Thinking the left is all i may need and the right i can use something else since there is more access.

 

The driver side you can use whatever for install.