Lifelong listener first-time caller. I have a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 4 X4 with the Dana 44 front axle. When I called Dodge to get replacement seals the gentleman proceeded to tell me that there is only two seals right by the differential, but when I started to take it apart I found a outer seal on the passenger side as well. I would like to know if anybody has a diagram or can tell me part numbers for the seals that I need I would like to replace them all while I'm in there. Thank you
also could someone verify that they do not get seals on the outside of the housings.

 

The "seals" on the ends of the axle tubes are just dust shields, and can cause more trouble than they are worth. (tend to trap stuff inside the axle tubes, and that eats the seals.)

Drivers side seal is right next to the carrier, so, you need to pull it to change that seal. Not an exercise to be undertaken lightly, if you haven't done gear setups before. (also, the carrier can be a pain to get out. Need a case spreader to do it right.....)

Passenger side seal is just outboard of the CAD housing. Relatively easy to change, but, the bolts for the cad housing like to break. (pain in the ****.)

In the FAQ/DIY section here, you can find both service manuals, and parts manuals for your truck. I highly recommend grabbing both.

Welcome to DF!

 

I got the #'s from the dana breakdown so these are dana #'s not chrysler. It shows the outer seal but doesn't give the #.
48489 short side 48488 long side

 

Thanks for the info. Yes one of the cad bolts did twist off, **** is correct. From what I can see of it, that needle bearing looks fine as well as the carriers bearings. Have the driver ide seal already in but the cad seal is living up to its reputation using all thread with washer and nuts. I was trying to go through the steering knuckle though. I have to get a piece and pull from the housing is what I believe will be my problem solver( other than a torch). I keep the progression posted.

 

Yes, going from the housing worked alot easier( duh moment). Seals are in place, and reinstallation will commence after I drill out the CAD bolt that broke.
Thanks agaimbfor the input.

 

Is anything sticking out of the broken bolt? I like to weld a nut to 'em, and extract them that way.... I have very little luck drilling them......

 

There was a little bit, but I had to drill it just to get the plate off the housing. Then I tried using vice grips to get the broken piece out of the axle housing and it twisted off in the vice grips, so the only thing left is flush with the housing.

 

Okay I went to put the ring and pinion back in and noticed that the driver side bearing is bent. I've always known Timken bearings to be the best but local NAPA Auto Parts store only carries SKF. At $40 a piece has anybody use these bearings and head good luck with them? Thanks also is it better to replace both of them or just the one?

 

you can buy the correct seal etc. from quad4x4.com.
I bought my axle seals from them when mine started leaking. Also, either buy the seal puller tool they offer or watch video on youtube of an install. Then make your own with some 3/4" all thread and a bearing driver kit from harbor freight.

 

Can they order the timkin bearing? Can you wait if to order one online? If not, go with the SKF......