I have a leak right where the side shaft bolts to the front diff. I'm assumming I need to replace the oil seal(s). The repair manual is not clear on this but I believe it expects me to remove the front differential. Also there are several special tools called out to:

1. Remove side gear shaft (SST 09910-00015)
2. Remove side gear shaft oil seal (SST 09308-00010)
3. Install new side gear shaft oil seal (SST 09550-00020)

Wow, I guess I'm doomed to have the "complicated breakdowns!"

Can't I simply replace the seals without pulling the diff? Do I need all these special tools? Thanks.

 

I just completed this task. I was able to do it by myself but had fair difficulty lining up the front axle (FA) assembly when re-installing.

I used 2x6 boards and 8" blocks for ramps. I purchased no special tools. Here is what I used:

open end wrenches: 14mm, 17mm, 19mm
sockets: 14mm, 17mm, 19mm, 24mm

prybar (to remove seals and side shafts)

medium/large rubber mallet

floor jack

wood scrap (1/2" x 3/4" x ~5") to tap in new seals
I also used one of the old seals to get the new ones started

lots of rags and shop towels

tips:

1. Get a friend to help you (the FA is heavy and this is not worth getting hurt over)
2. The front diff holds ~1.7 quarts gear oil (90W) so don't forget to buy 2 quarts.
3. Use a prybar to gently pry out the side shafts
4. When re-installing the FA, use a small rectangular piece of plywood to support the FA and tilt the input shaft (towards the rear of the FA) downwards to get the horizontal mounting ear up over the cross member

 

whoops, can't read...

 

This might help look under AXLES!
http://board.marlincrawler.com/index.php?topic=19277.0

 

Thanks for making time to detail your efforts to replace the right side front diff axle seal.

I'm sure you removed the front diff to do the seal work only because there was no alternative, but I've got to ask...do you think there is any possibility of replacing the seal without pulling the diff?

Thoughts?

Thanks