I keep blowing new inner oil seals probably because my bearings are bad from the first oil seal that started
leaking causing the grease to wash out. I've developed a vibration that feels like it's coming from the rear
axle too soooo I was thinking about going with an 86-95 rear axle but my question is, can I still use my
carrier with gears or would I have to get a new gear set for the new axle?

 

Your 85 third member will work just fine in any 86-95 rear axle V6 or 4cyl. If your pulling the third to swap it you may as well freshen up the carrier bearing pre load as per Zuk's web site. If your popping axle seals you may want to check your axle breather and make sure its still breathing and not clogged.

 

x2 - and extend it if you take the truck offroad at all

 

Yeah, I have 6 feet of hose on both my front and rear axle with a small 2 way fuel filter on the ends.

Is there any good way to replace the bearings? Or will I need to take the parts
to a shop that has a press?

 

I replaced my bearings without a press.
I held onto the brake end and slammed the splined end of the axle onto a piece of thick plywood. Bearings came out after a few tries. Wear gloves, it will rattle your hands otherwise.

To press them in, I got about a 30" piece of 2x2 square tube from the local welding shop for a few bucks. Slid that over the axle shaft and pounded down pressing the bearings back on till they were seated correctly. I didn't have to apply much force on this one, the weight of the tube was enough to keep from having to slam it hard at all.

It's not too difficult and I didn't damage anything.

 

Cool thanks.

Could bad bearings be causing the seals to leak? I just put a new one in
a day ago and it's already leaking, although my parking brake was too tight
and getting hot, even the rim was hot, maybe it melted?

 

Also, would I be able to use a 2WD rear axle or will only 4WD axles work?

 

A 2wd axle only has 5 lugs

 

Yeah, did a little research after I posted this and found out.

I found an axle assembly without the carrier out of a V6 4x4 for $300
from a salvage yard. Is that too expensive? Seems like a decent
deal if it's in good shape.