I've gotta do the rr axle seal and pinion seal. Outside of what the manual has to offer does anybody wish to throw some tips and tricks out there? If this goes well and easy I hope to make time for the nitrous install.

 

Pinion seal: It's a good idea to replace the crush sleeve (distance piece in the manual) when you remove the pinion yoke.
Axle seals: I always add a couple tack welds to the axle/bearing retainer collar. This prevents the axle from attempting to exit the housing, should the bearing fail. Old racers trick.
Also, check the axle bearing(s) while it's apart. If in doubt, go ahead and replace them while it's apart.

One last tip, always lube the seal lip, prior to reassembly. This prevents the seal from burning up before any lube can get in there. This one *should* be common knowledge, and is likely listed in the manual, but just wanted to throw it out there. There's nothing that frustrates a person more than having to redo a job they just did.

 

Thanks for the feedback! I did buy the bearing, and an old dog like me should have thought about the crush sleeve (been there before). I'll call and order!

 

Yeah, it ain't pretty when the crush sleeve collapses after reassembly, is it?
While it doesn't happen 100% of the time, it occurs often enough to make the new crush sleeve "Cheap Insurance", compared to what it can cost to repair the diff after the old sleeve collapses.

 

Oh, and being an "Old Dog", I assume you know to check the vent for proper operation, as well.....

 

Hmmmm, ahhhhhh, nope

 

Plugged vents, in an axle or trans, can easily cause seals to start leaking. As the temp raises, pressure will build, unless the vent is operational.