Seal replacement on 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 Dana 60

[beemer44]

Can anyone tell me where to find a easily understandable "how To" for replacing the seals in a Dana 60 front axel. Driver and Passenger side.

 

[MBanning]

Quad 4x4 (google it) has all the parts and some high quality tools to make the job easier. They also have easy to follow and understend instructions, I think the instructions are also available by download for a couple dollars.

MBanning

 

[beemer44]

Thanks for the info. , I checked it out and will download their instructions. Will let you know what I think of them. Just for your information I found Alldata to be strongly lacking in their procedural info. I have used them in the past with great success and satisfaction but with the Dodge Ram 2500 they have been very vague on instructions and procedures.

 

[mwilson]

Allow plenty of time to do it as it is a handful even with proper tools.

MAKE SURE you buy an extra left and right seal in case you trash one during the install. Very easy to get one cocked off sideways and ruin it setting up the install tools. I trashed one each left and right on my old '98 and was some kinda' glad I had purchased extra seals.





:-laf Not my first trip around the block... ... :-laf







I have the patience of a saint but front axle seal replacement does test it, I'll tell ya'... ... .

 

[beemer44]

One other question I have, is it absolutely necessary to have a differential case spreader to get the diff. out? I read a seal replacement description (or how to) on one of Genos Garage tech pages and the author suggested that a pry bar could also do the trick. Any suggestions? I really don't want to spend $450. 00 on a diff. case spreader.

 

[mwilson]

Pulled mine out with a 2" ratchet strap looped around the differential nest and hooked other end behind the front bumper. Used a pair of pry bars and the strap to walk it out. Worked great.

 

[beemer44]

mwilson, thanks for the reply, sounds like a winner, but how do you get it back in? I must sound like a half wit jerk but this stuff is new to me. I have done plenty of wrenching on my cars (breaks, clutches, exhausts, CV joints, etc. but differentials and axle seals are new. Thanks for your time and consideration. beemer44

 

[mwilson]

No problem, will answer you as best I can. The more questions you ask the easier it will go for you.

I think all I did to get it back in was tap it in with a hardwood block and a hammer. Put the races on and gently work it back in with alternate blows. Always have the block against the diff case before you tap it.

It has been almost 5 years since I changed my seals so might have forgotten a few small details.....

Mike.