Swapping differential questions

[Tony_Urwin]

I'm swapping my old differential for a 3.73. I pulled the old axle seals and they looked pretty good- the seals had been replaced with the newer style. I replaced the inner oil seals, but I think I wil leave the outer seals alone. They look pretty good. Is this a bad idea? They're only dust seals, right?

Also, should I replace the axle bearings while I have the axles out? Do they have to be pressed on by a machine shop?

Last, I thought I would replace the pinion seal, but when I pulled the yoke on the 3.73, pinion seal looks pretty recent. And it looks like there is no good way to pull the seal without removing the carrier. I'm thinking just use a speedy sleeve, and hope for the best. Should I go to the trouble of replacing the pinion seal while I have the opportunity?

Thanks for the advice.

[NiftyFifty]

Replace them all...no point in ruining your brake shoes with gear oil, and or having a puddle at the front.

I replaced my whole axle and I thought my pinion looked great...put in the $20.00 bottle of full synthetic and the $10 bottle of limited slip oil and I came back 2 days later to a puddle....so it's not worth the risk IMO

I can imagine if you pulled them they also may have a bit of damage and might not fit again....best to spend a few doallars now then later.

[Merle Coggins]

I agree. Replace them now when you have the chance. You'll end up destroying them to get 'em out but new ones will give you piece of mind in the long run. To remove the pinion seal drill a small hole through it and screw a sheet metal screw through it. You can then grab the screw with a vice-grip or claw hammer and pull it out.

Merle

[Tony_Urwin]

Thanks, guys, for the advice. I replaced all four of the axle seals. Merle, I used the screw on my slide hammer and the pinion seal popped right out.

What about the bearings? Same line of thought? Replace the pinion bearing and axle bearings while I've got it apart?

Do the axle bearings have to be pressed on by a machine shop?

[Merle Coggins]

If the bearings look good I'd leave them alone. The pinion bearings would require a disassembly of the diff to change out and set up properly. the axle bearings must be pressed on and off. Clean up the axle bearings and inspect them good. If they pass inspection repack them with bearing grease and reinstall them.

Merle

[Tony_Urwin]

OK, thanks Merle. The bearings and races look good, so I'll re-use them. The outer pinion bearing slides off the shaft after the pinion seal is removed (no need to remove the carrier) but it looks good, too.

Edited September 7, 2010 by Tony_Urwin