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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.
Keith, I checked that thread out. Very good info on there. Should be a sticky. Don’t have a metal lathe or I would just do exactly what you fixed up.
anyhow, got some all thread 1/2- 13 and nuts and washers, thought it was in straight, tightened it down and it went in sideways, so all the auto parts stores around won’t have a third axle seal in until tomorrow.
pounding it in didn’t work, and threading it in didn’t work. I hate to buy one of those expensive kits but it seems that’s what will likely happen
I'm not sure you need anything more. Get it all lightly sucked together with your present setup, then get eyes on the seal and tap it square if you must. You might need to get creative with a tiny hammer/mallet, etc (just about anything in the right hands is a striking device!)
If you can get a helper like SWMBO, run a rod/stick in from the other side after getting it set up as described above. Put the rod/stick where you want to tap and hold it there while your helper taps from the inner C. Once you get a small portion started square it'll stay that way as you pull it in -- it's just getting it started that's the tricky part.
I personally always grease the OD of seals to increase the odds of smooth installation, but I know you wanted to use RTV on at least one.
I appreciate your encouragement. I ordered two seals for tomorrow. In regards to the rtv, I didn’t specifically want to use it, just wondering what peoples opinions on it were. I did lube up the outer ring in both attempts.
getting the seal started square is the trickiest part. I need to be able to drive it in while holding it square. I’m thinking, From lightly tapping it in with the tube and the hole saw bit tomorrow but I think what is preventing me from getting it completely centered is that bushing/bearing you were referring to. So if I attempt to get it seated by that method, I’ll have to remove that bushing.
not sure why the seal isn’t on the outside of the tube
Actually the inner shafts slop around a fair bit. They'd wallow a true seal intended to keep fluid in in short order. The OEMs would have to add a bushing or bearing near the end of each tube to have a seal out there....which certainly isn't impossible. From their perspective there's simply no need for gear oil to get to the ends of the axle tubes, unlike rear axles which require it for the wheel bearings.
BUT -- AGREED, it makes service way more difficult than it seems it needs to be!!
If this doesn't work, then I don't think creativity is the issue
I give you the "bug sealer"
Can of bug spray keeps the rod centered toward the seal as this was the only thing I had that fit the axle tub snug. Random piece of hard plastic that came with the front end kit. (The hole saw bit was too tight). Tested it out on the 2nd seal as it seems sound, but still wants to go in off center (the seal goes in on the top but not the bottom indicating it isn't center) but ITS CENTER. Calling it a night
Last edited by jordant1992; Mar 27, 2023 at 09:00 PM.
Reason: text didnt post
Passenger side looks good. Drivers side might need to go in some more..... If you can see the other side, make sure the seal is seated on the lip that prevents it from going further.
I was able to tap the driver side in a bit more. Wondering about pulling the drivers side in more just don’t want to damage the seals Driver Driver Passenger Passenger Passenger Passenger Passenger
