2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission dumb question

[AFoulk]

Looks like I'm gonna be doing ball joints again My question is, since I have to pull the axle shafts out to do them, do I have to worry about my axle seals leaking once I"m done and back together? I replaced them last time I did ball joints (keep in mind, this was only 3,000miles ago) so I'm hoping I'll be alright. I really don't feel like pulling the front diff out again if I don't have too. I just wasn't sure if pulling the shafts out and then sliding them back in actually ruins the seals

 

[SnoKing]

Looks like I'm gonna be doing ball joints again My question is, since I have to pull the axle shafts out to do them, do I have to worry about my axle seals leaking once I"m done and back together? I replaced them last time I did ball joints (keep in mind, this was only 3,000miles ago) so I'm hoping I'll be alright. I really don't feel like pulling the front diff out again if I don't have too. I just wasn't sure if pulling the shafts out and then sliding them back in actually ruins the seals

Must have been a ruff 3,000 miles!!!!! SNOKING

 

[jtisdale]

It can ruin them. When you pull the axle out do it quickly. When you put it back in, smear the splines with grease to help them glide into the seal, and it also helps lessen the chance of a rough edge tearing it. Sad part is, you wont know if its gonna leak until you get it all back together.

Sorry to hear about your ball joints going bad so soon. What brand where they?

 

[LandShark]

Bet bet is to suck a quart or two out of the diff and keep the side you are working on elevated. If doing both sides at once, drain or suck most of the fluid out.

When removing or inserting the axle, support it the best you can and keep it centered as you insert it.

Don't forget to put the truck in 4x4 prior to starting.