Hey boys, been tearing the front end out to get the old truck ready for some work next week and realized the axle seals will be needing replaced. Upon my research I discovered how horrific the job would be. But the only choice once a man is in that deep is to keep chugging forward

After a few runs to the auto parts store and well beyond the anticipated budget to re-do my front end. I am at the point of cleaning the axle seal housing to put the seals in. Got it cleaned fairly well, will continue to scrub a bit longer but It looks as if the side that was leaking(driver) has some pitting for the seal seats... Not bad but considering how terrible this job is, I wanted to hear some opinions moving forward. The last thing I want to do is tear this apart again.

Also which side would you put in first, in one of the videos heyou posted, he goes for the passenger side first, then the driver. Also, what about rtv? I'll be using a long pole and a 2 1/8 ground down hole saw bit to drive the seals in

 

Clean up the holes good, and maybe put a thin layer of RTV around the perimeter (put it IN the axle tube there...) to help seal. Most seals though come with some 'stuff' on the outer perimeter to help it seal up.... but, a bit more won't hurt. Don't think it matters which one you put in first. Getting them to go in straight is the fun part.

 

Sounds good. Looks like there was some rtv from the factory. I get the feeling I'll be re-doing this . Wish me luck

 

Good Luck!!

 

They're easy enough to pull in straight with all thread

 

We're snowed in or I would go get some all thread. Got it all cleaned up and will be attempting it soon. Which way does the seals go? Metal portion out?

seems like If I had to do this another time, Id just use the all thread, thread on that hole saw bit, bore a hole in a block of wood placed over the outer axle tube and stick the all thread through and a washer and nut and just tighten it down.

 

Yep, metal toward the outside, rubber lip toward the inside. It's designed to keep fluid IN after all.

 

As I expected! Seal did not go in straight! (had my wife tapping from driver side and I was holding it center...) Contemplating calling it a day or getting the tractor out to plow so I can get all thread and another seal..

 

You've seen my thread here?

The stepped ball joint press cups work well at the inner C, and your hole saw oughtta substitute for the slightly custom piece I turned at the seal.

Hole saws are 5/8-18.....might be slightly harder to find fine thread all thread, but if you can have your piece at the seal threaded it works REALLY well because you don't have to hold a nut there

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...bushing-2.html

 

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