Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
After replacing my front pinion seal twice with OE seals from the dealer, I am experiencing deja-vu that brings back old memories. My 96 Ram 1500 gasser took no less than five transfer case output seals, all dealer supplied, before I started searching for a better quality aftermarket replacement seal. NAPA was able to cross reference a seal for me and after I installed it, no more problems. So far I have been unable to locate an aftermarket replacement seal for the front pinion on my 03 2500. The OE seals have a sealing lip that feels somewhat rough and hard, not smooth and flexible like a quality seal should be. After replacing 2 in a row & seeing leaks after a few hundred miles, I have to think that someone else has run across this issue before.
Before someone chips in with advise, I have extensive mechanical experience (28 years as a BMW master tech) & have covered the usual suspects such as burrs on the pinion flange, seating depth, etc. When removing the drive flange, it is evident that the seal is the culprit, no fluid leaking through the splines or from the outer seal surface.
Anyone know of a good source other than the dealer?
Thanks.
Before someone chips in with advise, I have extensive mechanical experience (28 years as a BMW master tech) & have covered the usual suspects such as burrs on the pinion flange, seating depth, etc. When removing the drive flange, it is evident that the seal is the culprit, no fluid leaking through the splines or from the outer seal surface.
Anyone know of a good source other than the dealer?
Thanks.
