2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Speedy sleeve part #

[erobb]

I have a 98. 5, 5 speed, Reg Cab, 4x4, with the Dana 80 rear end.

I purchased the truck with 40,000 mi on it, at that point the rear axle seals were leaking. At 100,000 miles the axle seals were leaking again and now at 125,000 miles they are leaking yet again. I drive mostly highway miles, only tow occasionally, even when I do it's usually a car trailer, so I'm not over the limits of the truck.

I read in one of the older TDR magazines about using the speedy sleeve to help snug up the seal, but that was on a Dana 70, and now I can't find the article. Does someone have the part #'s for the sleeves? I usually use NAPA seals. Is there a better seal I should use? I've set the bearing preload as the Haynes manual advises. Is there any tips anyone can give me to make these seals last longer than 25,000 miles?

I love my truck but the aggravation of these seals is enough to make me want to trade to a newer model without the Dana rearend.

 

[parcher]

I had the same problem with my '85 gasser, the seal savers are not listed by application but by size. I hade to take the bearing off onece to measure then again to install the seal. And I had to make an installation tool as the one the seal saver came with was too shallow. I found mine in the Federal Mogul catalog, the guy in the auto parts store had no clue what I was asking for, I finally had him let me look through the book.

 

[KWentling]

I put a Redi Sleeve on my '98 with the Dana 80. The NAPA part # was 99253. They are expensive little buggers. $39. 44 each.

Hope this helps



Kim

 

[w-cummins]

Originally posted by KWentling

I put a Redi Sleeve on my '98 with the Dana 80. The NAPA part # was 99253. They are expensive little buggers. $39. 44 each.

Hope this helps



Kim

That's not bad Cummins wanted $130. 00 for the speedy sleeve for the rear main seal on the crank!

 

[Roger rodbolt]

erobb,



Dodge changed the seal design, not sure who makes it but I'd pay the extra $'s and get a fresh factory seal. The design was changed some time ago but watch out for old stock. As for the Speedy Sleeve (they work fine), check the botton portion of the axlehousing/sealing surface. If there is no wear I'd put a new seal on it without the sleeve, properly set the wheel bearing preload then increase the level of rear end lubricant. The seals run dry at the factory lube level. HTH's, Larry

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Some synthetic lubes don't have enough additive to swell the seals and keep them from leaking. That's one reason I went to LE607.

 

[Blakers]

I wonder where we could get real leather seals like the big trucks run? The leather absorbs the oil and lubricates the surface, so it doesn't wear a groove. Plus it's much more durable than plastic or rubber.

 

[Steve Campbell]

Quote by Roger Rodbolt...

"If there is no wear I'd put a new seal on it without the sleeve, properly set the wheel bearing preload then increase the level of rear end lubricant. The seals run dry at the factory lube level. "



That is a very important statement, in my opinion!!!

 

[keimmmo]

Also watch for burrs on the taper below where the axle seal runs. I ran into this on my old '77 Dodge van. There was a burr that would cut the seal when you installed the wheel! I removed the burr and seals have lasted well ever since.



Steve

 

[ROADWARRIOR]

Does the redi sleeve require a special matched seal for the Dana 80? I took the part #99253 in to Napa and they told me there is not a special seal for this sleeve, they told me the regular seal works. Does this sound right?



Thanks,

Dan

 

[Steve Campbell]

Yes, that is how most speedi sleeves fit. They work great. Be sure to put "something" in the groove in the axle (silicone, form-a-gasket, etc.

 

[cdoolan]

A new yoke is around 100 dollars, thats what I would do.

 

[kenny61]

The part number for my 96 was different it is 99287 and was $58. 00. If anyone needs the 99253 i'll mail it to you for $20. 00. just send me a PM you can mail me a check when you get the sleeve

 

[CumminsPower98]

Quad4x4 sells an oil bath seal you might try: Dodge Rear Axle It says sold out right now. These oil bath seals (P/N QK8340) don't run on the spindle surface but have their own seal race internally. I have had some trouble with my right seal in the past and seen no reason for it as the surface was perfect. I might try one of these oil bath seals next as it's leaking a little bit again. This type of seal is standard on a lot of Fords. I have not seen or tried one for the Dodge yet.

 

[kenny61]

CP98- Thanks, my sealing surface was pitted so i needed the sleeve if for some reason it doesn't work I will do the oil bath seal or another fix which involved a whole new bearing setup my autoparts guy told me about. I just wanted to let the 96 guys know there is a different part number and since i destroyed the box on the wrong one I will offer it up to the membership at a roughly 50% discount since the box is probably half the value of the thin piece of metal the sleeve is made out of.

 

[95REDRAM]

I also have had experience with the rear axle seals leaking. I did the sleeve repair and used the so called upgraded factory seal with no luck. Someone on here suggested changing bearings and seals so I did. Has not leaked in 6 years.