sgunn281

ok so i was wheeling yesterday and busted my left front u-joint and tore up the whole axle shaft assembly as well. after getting towed out of the woods i noticed the plastic axle seal was gone and so of course its leaking gear oil. my question is how do i know if the inner (or intermediate, im not sure which it would be called) axle seal is torn up? I've done axle seals on ford and chevy rear axles but have never done anything with dana differentials until now. (Dana 30)

by the way im new to the forum. my names scott and im from harford county in northeastern maryland. my rig is a 1995 Jeep Cherokee lifted 6 inches on 33's.

sgunn281

also i forgot to mention when i pulled the diff cover off the fluid was completely white and slowly drooped out almost like elmers glue. would that be caused by water getting into the diff housing? the fluid doesnt look or feel like it has any water or mud in it... ill post pics tomorrow

Radi

There is only one axle seal per side and it's in the pumpkin, not at the end of the axle tubes. That's just a plastic dust shield near the u-joints.
To replace the seals you have to pull the axles and empty out the diff housing.

I have no idea what was in the fluid to make it that stiff, but I'd agree it needs changing!

freegdr

Just look at the seal when you pull the axle . Use a flash light and shine it in the hole.

sgunn281

ok now im having trouble removing the axle shaft. ive got the hub/wheel bearing off but the axle will only slide out about a half inch before it feels like it hits a wall. and yes it is a non disconnect axle. any ideas?

freegdr

Should pop right out ....

sgunn281

Lol yeah it should... but that sum b*tch is stuck

landude

Isn't there a clip in there?

sgunn281

nope, no c-clip. i read that the older jeeps may have had them to aid in assembly at the factory but mine doesn't.

Jakers

Did you pull your carrier our? You'll need to if your going to change the seals anyways. Shaft might be caught up on it some how...

Turbo X_J

You will never remove the carrier with the axle still in there. Attach a slide hammer to whats left of the axle and yank it out.

Jakers

Your right, my apologies Sir. I just changed my seals on mine about a month ago... not sure where my mind was while I typed that...

sgunn281

well im convinced the axle is bent/burred/twisted something along those lines. ill give her hell tomorrow and let you guys know.

DFlintstone

See if the other side comes out OK? Double check you don't have clips? Any chance you have a different diff?

Bustedback

Push the shaft in and then give it a good yank.