Rear axle seal leaking pretty bad

[KennethS]

My 2006 Dodge 3/4 ton two wheel drive short bed has 33,000 miles and I had to install a new axle seal. It came out in two peaces. Really bad shape. I also change thr oil in the rearend. It look in good shape. I pull a enclose car trailer with a car in the trailer most of the time. I was surpris that I needed have a rear seal go bad that early with low miles on the truck. My mileage is not that good. I get 11 to 12 most of the time towing the last trip going to Ga. I guess that normal with a automatic transmission. I was in tow-haugh most of the time. I went to the V-8 National meet in Ga. I took my 50 Ford Crestliner Maroon & Black. It only has 37,000 miles on it. Not bad for a old junker as dad use to call my cars.

 

[rscurtis]

Definitely not. Axle seal leaks are not common on third generation trucks. Check to make sure the vent is not clogged.

 

[jelag]

With care the axle seal could go the life of the truck... I've sold trucks in the past with 500K miles on them and the seals had never been replaced...

 

[SierraRam]

I agree this is something you hardly ever hear about on the AAM axles. Very nice car!

 

[rscurtis]

I remember when the 3rd generation trucks first hit the streets, many lamented the move away from the Dana axles. It would seem that except for some noise issues in early production trucks, the AAM has proven itself as strong and long-lived. It's also much easier to work on than a Dana- no need for a housing spreader or trying to fit shims on the carrier bearings.