Funny thing you don't need the seal
Hi Guys
The funny thing about the rear axle seal, if you don't drive the truck on extreme side hills or deep water you don't need the seal. How do I know? I forgot and left it out on one of the my trucks and didn't know it until the next major brake job. No drips out of brake drum no gear lube inside on the backing plate. I think what kept the gear lube on the right side of the bearing was the wheel bearings were extremely well backed with grease.
Of course having the seal inside is much better than having it sit on the parts shelf.
In one of the old threads on rear wheel bearing, I included some figures on how much side slope you need to even get the gear lube in the diff out to the wheel bearing and hence the seals. Will try and find old thread.
My point is if the seal is the only thing missing don't hold off on driving the truck.
Cheers Phil
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