2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Rear Axle Seal??

[Bartman#1]

So i noticed today that on my left rear wheel i have gear oil flung up into my fenderwell. rear drum is wet and dripping.



Have not taken wheel off yet but i am on my orginal pads, (90k) and i figure that they must be wasted from the oil anyhow, so time to replace the whole bit i suppose, i would like to get parts first.



what entails changeing rear axle seals? i have dana 70 with drums. i just would like to know what i'm getting into before i dive into my daily driver.



any imput would be great!!!!!!!



Thax,

Bartman

 

[Fishin Guide]

Are you positive it's gear oil and not brake fluid? If that's the case, axle seals are pretty easy.



Dave

 

[PC12Driver]

I just did the seals on my 2001. 5, and it wasn't too bad of a job at all. Pull the axle, unbolt the hub, and off it comes. I replaced my bearings at the same time since I was in there.



I used the kit from quad4x4.com that includes everything you'll need (bearings, seals, special tools, misc hardware, and an instructional video). It's really handy to watch the video to see someone do it once before you attempt it, and then to have everything you need, including tools, before you start. Definitely worth the $ for the kit (which is priced very fairly, too).



I also changed the axle lube (synthetic 75/140) and added a Mag-Hytec cover while I was at it. The only surprise I had was the disk brake pad material falling off it's backing when I pulled the calipers away from the disk (both sides - it's a good feeling to know that your brakes were held in place by a little bit of friction from rust).

 

[Bartman#1]

Oh yeah its gear oil, smells great...

are drum rear ends different than discs, in the seal sense??

has anyone out there with a drum dana70 done this fix???

how many seals?? bearing is outboard???



Thank you all!!!!



Bartman

 

[PC12Driver]

The video for the install was actually of a drum brake equipped truck. There didn't appear to be any difference when it came down to the bearings and seals. The only difference was in disassembly/reassembly; I had to remove a caliper and you'd have to remove a drum.



There's two bearings (inboard and outboard) and one seal (inboard). The tapered bearings will drop out, but the outer race will need to be tapped out. Quad's kit includes special drivers to tap the new races and seal back into place without damage (as well as a socket for the axle nut).

 

[DToy]

I need to change a leaking rear seal on my '99 - Is a Haynes manual adequate to tell me how to do this? Does it matter where I buy the new seals from? I looked at the kit from Quad4x4.com, but it seems rather spendy and I'm not sure that I need to replace the bearings. I would rather do it myself than pay a shop to do it.

 

[Fishin Guide]

How many miles are on the truck? Does it get used for towing and hauling?



If you have a fair number of miles, it would not hurt to change the bearing at the same time. Bearings are one of those things we all ignore until we have a failure in the middle of the desert or in the mountains in 4' of snow and have a failure.



There is nothing worse than being broke down on the side of the road from a lack of preventitive maintenence.



Do what is best for you.



Dave