Front R/H Axel Seal Replacement

[Joe Mc]

Wouldn't you know it just when I thought I was done getting it ready for the Yellowstone expedition (leaving this Sat morning). I was giving the front end a few strokes of grease that is and noticed the left side had OEM ball joints as I went accross noticed the right had new upper & lowers. The bottom zerk is fine as it drops straight down, the top one is at 90 degrees. Thats where the fun begins - I noticed the joint caps have little nics on them right in line with the %#$&!* zerk Not a big deal in itself but, I think the axel seal is leaking slightly as the bottom of the housing is a bit moist.



At this late stage and since we're going on the trip Sat, I'm going to check the gear oil level and closely monitor the amount of moisture at every fill up. Then check the level again when we hit Colorado Springs before coming home. I think I should be OK? I don't plan on runnig in 4X at all.



Any one ever do a front axel seal? And, what do you all think about installing a plug in the bottom zerk then drill & tap one in the side instead?

 

[Cooker]

This link pretty much explains it all.

http://dieselpowerman.tripod.com/Front Axle Tech/Front Axle Tech.htm



If you have more questions try a search, this has been gone over many times. There is alot of good info in the archives.



Ryan

 

[SMorneau]

I had the same trouble. In fact, I left central Minnesota to go to colorado with it leaking. I stopped and got some insurance in the form of 5 bottles of cheapo gear lube at Walmart. It was blowing on the side of the truck but never really lost that much. It didn't get on the disk brakes. Even though I never used the gear lube I would carry some anyway. Also a big piece of cardboard to lay on at the rest areas is nice.



I had a good time in CO.



Good luck.