Resealing front diff

Been a while but yes, front driveshaft needs to come off, both axles out. I think the rear yoke needs to come off too but I can't remember. If you've got a diff lock you may have to manually engage it so it will clear the housing. If you're just doing a re-seal, get a couple of long bolts (like 8-10") that will thread into the housing to use as guides so its easier to put it all back together. If you don't have a hoist/crane a tranny jack or a floor jack usually works to support and help slide it out. Doesn't have to come all the way out, just enough to clean off the old sealant, remove any oil and put a bead of new sealant on.

 

A lot of the time they are leaking because of his loose bolts. Draining the diff and removing the bolts and reapplying sealant to them usually cures it. Slamming the center of an axle flange with a sledgehammer remove them careful not to hit the bolts. Put a small drain pan under the flange, oil will come out. I just cut off a one gallon milk jug and shove it under there.

 

Pull the axle shafts. Pull driveline. I try to keep the output shaft in place and slide it out but sometimes it's a pain. Then pull your bolts and I usually let it fall onto a mud flap. Clean the sealing surface. It's just a bunch of silicone sealant. Reinstall with a transmission jack or if there is space the forklift and a chain.

 

I thought I read somewhere that the bolts holding the center section should be replaced after they are removed. Something about them not yielding or holding the proper torque a second time around. Spicer sells a bolt kit so, maybe that's true.

 

I haven't heard that before. I think they're just regular bolts holding the carrier assembly in. I do know they recommend replacing U-joint hardware when you re-install a U-joint. That being said I've re-used U-joint hardware with a dab of red loctite and haven't had an issue.

 

Northern Mechanic is spot on. Long bolts and dont take it all the way out if its just seal. PITA. But if its not broke no need to lift it out. Can be done anywhere. Just dont knock it out and on top of you. Loctite 518 works well. Or loctite for gear lube. Either one and good to go. And like he said allways use new ujoint straps. If half round joint

 

There you go. Just keep eye on fluid.