Rear Axle Seal
 

I was doing a little maintenance earlier today. Did a little inspection on the rear brakes and found a little oil on the splash guard. Looks like it just started. Any way, are they a pain to change? I did a set on an 83 Chevy 1/2 ton and had to pull horse shoes to get the axles out. Is it the same on the 3/4 Dodges?

i had mine done last summer....
but i wasn't around...

if you need any more help let me know ;)

No innner axle C keepers like the old chevs. There is a just the tube bolts on the outer housing on the outside holding the axle in the tube. Pull those bolts and the axle. Once that's done you will need to remove the hub by loosening the hub nut and removing inner and outer bearings and then the seal. Replace seal, put the inner bearing on then the hub and then the outer bearing and the nut. Tighten to the proper preload and reinstall the axle and axle cover/housing and bolts. Don't ask me what the preload is or any torque specs though because I don't have a clue.:sen:

If I have to pull bearings, I may as well go ahead and change them yeah!

If you do you will have to hammer the races out as well. I wouldn't do it if they are ok. Bearings either work or they don't on a hub like that. Should be pretty easy to just change the seal, do an inspection and button it up I would think. Email this guy and ask the question about the bearings. He's the best there is and he's right in Billings.

Dan the Gear Man