So both my front axle seals are leaking. I have done the passenger side before, and I'm not afraid to do it again. But how about the driver's side? I have quite a few tools in my garage, but no hoist. And I have no idea how to pull the gears without some youtube help. Should I go ahead and youtube the job, or just take it to a shop? Is there a chance that the independent shop will do a worse job than I would do? (some Dodge-specific stuff that they may not be familiar with)

 

I suspect you have the desire and determination to knock this job out and will likely do as good or better than most independent shops, since its your truck - here is a video of someone doing this job on a Dana 60, which is very similar to other Dodge axles -

 

Well that makes the job look pretty straight forward. So there are no clearances to set when re-installing the Pumpkin, no small pieces that will want to fall out (shims, etc)? The video will be similar to my 1500?

And are Mopar OEM seals recommended, or are any aftermarket seals just as good?

 

I'd like to order both seals today, just not sure if I should order from my dealer, or parts store?

 

Timkin or National Seals. Should be able to get 'em from the parts store.

 

I have a four wheel drive, not sure what you got. Had to change my front seals a few years ago. I had to buy a pumpkin spreader to the the diff out of the pumpkin and also re-install it in order to pull the drive shafts to change the seals. tool cost me $300. Hope your's isn't that difficult. I had to spread the pumkin like 2000ths of inch, don't sound like much, but tried for two days prying it out, didn't work.

 

I had a similar issue with my Dana 60 and I ended up picking up a case spreader. I went with this unit - http://www.ebay.com/itm/DELUXE-DANA-...wAAOSwHjNWCEE2

It's stout and will likely be passed to my children and grandchildren.

Not sure if these are truly needed to do the job, but I felt that it certainly made it easier, since I had borrowed one to do a job previously. Some folks have techniques for removing the center section without using a spreader and are scared of the spreader tweaking the housing if spread too much.

With regard to seal brands, I've had the best experience for axle seals with SKF. They are typically extremely well made. I love Timken bearings, but I'm very cautious regarding their seals.

 

I have National seals on order.

So after removing all 3 axle shafts, the differential won't just slide forward and fallout nice and smoothly? I was hoping it would be like the Youtube video posted above

 

That's what the case spreader is for.

 

Well if a $300 tool is needed to do the job, I'll just bring it to a shop. Please advise.