axle seal help

[southern4x4]

I am getting some work on the YJ done but am taking my time because I don't have a lot of time during the day because of the spacing in my classes and work but anyways...

I got the driver side seal in today but wanted to let you guys look over the pics of it to see if...

1. It is in far enough. I don't know how far it should be set back and was dumb and didn't snap pics before pulling the old one to refer back to

AND

2. If it is in straight enough. These things are a pain in the a$$ to get in perfectly straight and after many many attempts I think it is good but want to double check before putting everything back together.

and then I wanted some input on which of the 3 seals that came with the kit I got from Andy is the right one. I have no clue and the one that I thought (from pics from stu-offroad.com) isn't wanting to budge.

this is the pumpkin side, face in towards the carrier

this is the side that faces the passenger tire (or backside as I call it)

The two on the far right appear to be the exact same except the middle one is slightly smaller. I had it in a couple of days ago when I had a XJ driving, know nothing about working on cars, lending me a couple extra hands but pulled it because of the pics from stu-offroad.com. Those pics led me to try the one on the far right but I can't get that thing to go in to save my life. I am either doing something wrong or it isn't the right one (leaning towards it not being the right one).

Any and all questions, comments, insight, secret mantras to get these things in right are encouraged and welcome.

Sorry for the long post.
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[rbo1577186]

1. - To see if its in deep enough - See if the differential bearing caps go in flush without touching the seal. If they sit flush, it's deep enough.

2. - They should be straight, but I've installed them slightly crooked, and they have been fine.

3. - A note on seals.. Use a little gear oil on the outside to make it easier to install. Use a little gear oil in the rubber inside area to keep it from damaging the seal while reinstalling the shaft. Old seals, bearing races, Sockets, Aluminum stock, and PVC Pipe make great seal drivers. If you have a long enough Pipe you can sometimes go through the axle tube to install, it helps to have a buddy hold it on the seal while you drive it. Whenever possilbe, do one side at a time so you have a reference if you get stuck. When starting to drive the seal in, use ease.... This way it's easier to correct yourself if it starts crooked, and you can bend a seal if you hit it too hard while its not aligned.

4. - On your various seals..... Measure your Outside diameter of you old seals with a pair of calipers. Measure the Inside diameter of the seal with your calipers. Then compare to see which seal will fit. The Inside diameter of your old seal should be slightly bigger than the new seal because it is worn.

5. If you can get a part number off the seal, call who you bought it from to check the part # to see which one you need. You may be able to do this online somewhere like partsAmerica.com.

Good luck

 

[southern4x4]

Thanks for the info. I was pretty confident on the seal I had set but I will check with the bearing caps.

As for measuring with calipers...I can't really do that since the reason behind the new seals is doing the 1 piece conversion on a YJ disconnect axle. There was no seal on the passenger side of the pumpkin. I will see if I might be able to measure the opening in the tube and compare it to the seals. Not sure if that will really work but we will see.

Thanks again for the info.