Rear Differential Pinion Seal

[lakeroadster]

The rear differential pinion seal is leaking on my '65 C10 (short bed). How tough is it to replace it?

[dracko]

i just did one but the rear end was sitting on jack stands, not bad at all...Could be a bit uglier if you're laying under the truck but not too bad. I used a pry bar and really bent up the dust shroud that goes over the seal. I don't think its that big of a deal though, tapped it back to where it was and though its not pretty anymore, it still serves its purpose. (if you can use a puller that would keep the shroud in perfect shape)...i know for next time

Popping the old seal out is easy because its got a lip on it you can get a flathead or chisel under; and then the new one goes in easy because the lip sets the depth. I drilled a big hole in a 2x4 that fit over the pinion and drove the seal in with that, just be sure it doesn't go in crooked and you're set.

[DRTYRAT30]

first mark the pinion nut/pinion shaft & pinion yoke with a paint line to reset the nut to the same spot it was when putting back together. I made a piece of angle iron that i drilled and bolted to the yoke where the u-joint strap goes to hold the yoke in place while i used a large cheater bar to remove the nut. the angle iron was long enough to brace under the frame rail. then i used a dead blow hammer to tap off the yoke, you might need a puller if this doesnt work. Then pop off the old seal clean the area and use RTV on the new seal around the outside edge, tap on even with block of wood. The clean yoke and use RTV on the splines and install. the put back together and replace nut to paint mark and just a hair past to lock in place. I went with a national seal first and it was to loose of a fit so then i got one from Napa and it worked great. This worked for me so check around on the web and see what works for you.

[lakeroadster]

Thanks Guys...

[blackedoutharley]

Might also consider rebuilding the rear end while you're in there... if the $ are available. One less thing to worry about.

[protrash64]

It was my understanding that this is a symptom of internal wear. The crush sleeve/pinion assembly must be put together with the same torque specs as originally assembled. I think that is the marking that DRTYRAT30 mentions as a method of trying to duplicate the original assembly.

I was told this by some people that I know that have rebuilt numerous rear axles; I have the same issue.

[lakeroadster]

Originally Posted by protrash64

It was my understanding that this is a symptom of internal wear. The crush sleeve/pinion assembly must be put together with the same torque specs as originally assembled. I think that is the marking that DRTYRAT30 mentions as a method of trying to duplicate the original assembly.

I was told this by some people that I know that have rebuilt numerous rear axles; I have the same issue.

I will be taking off the back cover and replacing the lube when I replace the seal. I'll take a look-see then at the wear pattern on the teeth.