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2nd Gen Ram Tech1994-2001 Rams: This section is for TECHNICAL discussions only, that involve the 1994 through 2001 Rams. For any non-tech discussions, please direct your attention to the "General discussion/NON-tech" sub sections.
Update and of course in need of more help! I did finally get the carrier out. Spread it only 0.012" and it popped right out. Tapped the drivers side axle seal out. When I went to pull the seal out of the differential housing, I noticed what appeared to be another seal. So I pulled it out and it looked like they had applied silicone after installing the drivers side axle seal. It is between the seal and the carrier bearing race. The same thing is on the passenger side of the housing also. So do I just reuse it or apply a silicone " re-seal " in there? Hope the pictures worked. Thanks again!!! The one I removed. The one still in the housing.
Update and of course in need of more help! I did finally get the carrier out. Spread it only 0.012" and it popped right out. Tapped the drivers side axle seal out. When I went to pull the seal out of the differential housing, I noticed what appeared to be another seal. So I pulled it out and it looked like they had applied silicone after installing the drivers side axle seal. It is between the seal and the carrier bearing race. The same thing is on the passenger side of the housing also. So do I just reuse it or apply a silicone " re-seal " in there? Hope the pictures worked. Thanks again!!! The one I removed. The one still in the housing.
I'm at a loss on this one. Since I'm the original owner, this had to be done when assembled? I've only replaced the passenger side axle seal. And I've performed all the work on this truck with the exception of the tranny and a/c work. I can't help to think they were maybe having issues with the seals leaking and started applying this rather large bead of silicone to compensate. Just my opinion. I researched the assembly process of the dana 44's but have found nothing. Not like they would tell us they had to use a large silicone bead for some reason or another. I wanted to replaced the carrier bearings but am actually having trouble finding a set. I bent the roller cage on the bearing a bit when removing the carrier. Any way, the service manual states to not use gas or kero and the like to clean the differential housing. If I apply another type of silicone, I at least have to clean that area with alcohol. Really would like to wrap this up so I'm planning to install the drivers side seal today and see what it is going to take to replicate that damn silicone seal, or maybe say screw it and trust the new seal to do its job. Since my axle tubes are basically a sludge pit, it'll take some time to clean everything up today before I start reassembly. So any other ideas will be greatly appreciated. Thanks again!!!
Thanks HeyYou. I guess I'm lucky like that. I know if I try to apply this additional sealant, I'll probably screw it all up. I may just pop the old piece back into place and hope the axle seal does its job. I have about the rest of the day cleaning everything up, so I'll check back later to see if you or anybody else has an opinion on this. Thank you very much!!! Again.
What I would do is install the drivers side seal and slip the axle shaft in. Then put the axle vertical on the side (able shaft facing the ground. Put some oil on top of the seal and see if it leaks. Maybe someone who assembled it messed up and put RTV there when they weren't supposed to but never told quality control?
What I would do is install the drivers side seal and slip the axle shaft in. Then put the axle vertical on the side (able shaft facing the ground. Put some oil on top of the seal and see if it leaks. Maybe someone who assembled it messed up and put RTV there when they weren't supposed to but never told quality control?
Yeah it's crazy because they literally filed up the gap between the carrier bearing race and the axle seal, about a 1/4" gap. The seal is in. Waiting on the bearings. So install the axle and let it rest on the bottom of the tube? Then do the oil check? I'm not sure what you mean by " able shaft facing the ground". Sorry. Thanks again.
