2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Should I change the axle seals when changing the wheel bearings?

[Silver Bullet Ram]

On a 2001 2500 4x4? I have a 147,000 miles on it.



Gary

 

[ttbird]

You are going to have it almost all the way apart to change them. If you're going to keep the truck for awhile, for the price of the seals and tools to install them I think I would go for it. You'll need a case spreader to make getting the gears out easier and a dial indicator so you don't spread it too much. . 010-. 020
is what I went by. It's easy to tear up the seals when installing the axles so put some grease on the axle splines when you insert the axles. I changed my bearings once without doing the seals. But the second time in I when for new seals cause I figured it was time. Good luck.

 

[Batphreak]

Don't really need a case spreader to get the carrier out. A good pry bar and a buddy works just fine. When I did it one guy pried on the carrier one guy kept the whole thing from just hitting the dirt. Then a good plastic dead-blow hammer to pound it most of the way back in before tightening the bearing caps. Works just fine. Definitely get the seal install tools, if I did it again I'd get 'em, it was a bit of a pain without the install tools.