D44 ?

[nickp51chevy]

I need to replace the seal on the axle shaft that the axle comes out of. How do I take the axle out of the shaft? (I hope those are the right terms.)

I'm looking for diagrams or step by step instructions or something that will help me with disassembly.

I think that I might have an idea how to do it but I just don't know for sure.

Thanks for the help.

[Chevy1TonFun]

Check this out: http://www.greatlakes4x4.com/showthread.php?t=58134

[nickp51chevy]

Awesome! So if I understand it correctly; there is no "C" washer (?) inside the diff that I need to take out like in the rear end. The axle just comes out without opening the diff?

[onlyifihadachevy]

yup, there shouldn't be any c clips.

[nickp51chevy]

Cool, thanks guys.

[LONGHAIR]

Originally Posted by nickp51chevy

.... like in the rear end.

This leads me to think that you are talking about the front axle? If so, it's not "that easy" to do what you are asking about.
Yes, the axle shaft will indeed come out w/o taking the cover off......but, that alone is not going to get you to that seal. The front axle seal is just behind the carrier bearing, inside the front cover. So, both axles have to come out and the carrier has to come out too. Then the seals can be removed and replaced. Then it all goes back together the same way it came apart. Be sure to mark the carrier caps before you remove them.

[Chevy1TonFun]

Here is another how do (all the way down and back together): http://www.off-road.com/trucks4x4/ar....jsp?id=198397

[nickp51chevy]

Are the axle seals inside the axle tubes next to the carrier?

[onlyifihadachevy]

yup, and like longhair said you will need to take the carrier out also to replace the seals, which is the reason they never really get replaced.

[nickp51chevy]

I forgot that he said that. guess I'm just getting frustrated with the axle.

[LONGHAIR]

Originally Posted by Ridin' High

Here is another how do (all the way down and back together): http://www.off-road.com/trucks4x4/ar....jsp?id=198397

That's a "fairly" good explanation w/pictures....but ignore that comment about checking the gear pattern. You cannot go messing around with the contact pattern of used gears.

[nickp51chevy]

I got the seals in, and it only took 3 trips to Napa to get the right ones. Ya, this wasn't an easy thing like I thought it might me.

I know now that there are the seals by the carrier, but should there be some sort of a seal at the end of the axle housing where the axle shaft comes out at the knuckle? Someone had put one there on both sides. Do you think that the P/O just didn't know where they were suppose to go?

Thanks guys.

[LONGHAIR]

No, there is not supposed to be a seal there, but there is at least one company that makes one to fit.
The end of the housing is not machined to receive a metal press-in type seal like the inner. So these "special" seals are a pretty wide metal block with O-rings to seal the outer part to the "rough" housing. They are not "necessary" for 99% of trucks...extreme off roaders who deal with a lot of water/mud like them to keep the muck out of the tubes.

[nickp51chevy]

Thanks for the info guys. I'm going to be putting the gear oil back in it today and see what happens.