I just wanna make sure I understand this process right. I ordered one of the Marlin seals for the rear assuming that was the only part I needed for the rear. For the front it had a seal and dust shield but if you use a Marlin seal on the front thats all you need? I plan on doing my seals soon but looks like gotta order another seal for the front as I only ordered the dust shield for the front.

 

tackled the front seal yesterday on my 81 (same transfer case as the 84/85 trucks) and had a time with the rubber seal, so i took of the whole housing that covers the bearing (done after removing the stake nut). Made getting the old seal out easier and getting the new one in much easier. Just four extra bolts to take out. Put some generic RTV (high temp/oil resistant) on the splines when I put it all back together with a new stake nut. No leaks.

 

i'm about to do my front seal on my 97, i don't have a "staked nut" and don't know if i need one, so i may postpone until i confirm.... i only got the seal, and dust seal.

 

You need one.

 

I love it when the search engine works out. I'm changing my leaky transfer case seals, as part of a larger project (foreshadowing... my very own build thread is coming soon. ) and would not have known to get the metal dust seal until I was into it already. Guess I should crack open my FSM more regularly.

Thanks Tinman for the detail and helpful hints.