Leaking Dana 60 updated

[DieselDoghouse]

Thanks to all who responded to my query about needing a case spreader to replace the driver's axle seal on the 248mm or Dana 60 front axles. Unfortunately the most recent of the server crashes may have dumped this and several other threads. I noticed they have vanished suddenly from the thread table by thread title or by originator, or by date. If anyone has replaced this axle seal and knows a way around using the annointed spreader (which no one I have found posesses) your input would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Extreme1]

You should be able to pry it out of the case. I just removed my Dana 80 carrier that way, it wasn't in too tight.

 

[Snow man]

Pry it out of the case with 2 pry bars,then set it in the freezer for an hour before installing it,it will slide right in,first try. If you dont get it cold, it wont slide in without a BFH or a spreader.

 

[DieselDoghouse]

Snowman, thanks for the great tip. Just remembered that's how they put the 'tires' on locomotive wheels too!!!!

 

[DieselDoghouse]

The deed was done this weekend. Several members have inquired, so here's how it wented: while it wasn't hard to replace either seal getting at them is another story! Much of the details and pics are in a site by dieselpowerman and have links to tdr discussions. I did not do both simultaneously - the latest wasn't leaking until recently, live and learn!! I would plan an entire day. The passenger shaft seal is outboard of the shift box, the old seal is driven inboard into the shift box. Most books describe drawing the new seal into place from outside the right wheel. I modified a device (clamp) much like a brake caliper spreader and drove it into place from the opposite side of the shift box, like a jack screw. To do anything you will have to drop the right hub and axle shaft and slide the intermediate shaft out as well. The driver's side seal is actually in the differential housing - you have to remove the differential carrier (and BOTH axles - see above). The Dodge manual says you need a case spreader but I found my carrier dropped out with repeated rocking of the ring gear, and went back in as easily. Again that seal is driven loose into the differential box and the new one driven out into the axle tube. Remember I am an expert of one repair, my axle may have been a loose fit compared to others. I did soak the axles well in WD-40, polished all corrosion off the seal area, and did not breathe while replacing the shafts. So far 500 miles and no leaks!! Good Luck... Oh - don't drop the diff carrier on a hand, its like a basketball, but— its alot heavier!!:--)