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Drilling drain holes in front axle tubes???

Old Jul 2, 2013 | 10:48 AM
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Default Drilling drain holes in front axle tubes???

I am changing the inner seals on a Dana 30 front axle.

I couldn't believe how much crud, mud, sand, etc...... was inside the axle tube.

I know you can buy aftermarket outer seals to keep the dirt out.

Just wondering if you could drill a couple of holes in the axle tubes to flush the tubes with a hose and let the crud drain out after wheeling?
Or would it compromise the strength of the axle tube?
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Old Jul 2, 2013 | 10:53 AM
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Ya, I don't think that would be a good idea. Get the seals. But if you do decide to drill, keep a couple drip pans with ya.

Last edited by SoCalxJ4.0; Jul 2, 2013 at 10:56 AM.
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Old Jul 2, 2013 | 11:08 AM
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Originally Posted by RandyTJ
I am changing the inner seals on a Dana 30 front axle.

I couldn't believe how much crud, mud, sand, etc...... was inside the axle tube.

I know you can buy aftermarket outer seals to keep the dirt out.

Just wondering if you could drill a couple of holes in the axle tubes to flush the tubes with a hose and let the crud drain out after wheeling?
Or would it compromise the strength of the axle tube?
troll?
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Old Jul 2, 2013 | 11:13 AM
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Originally Posted by VTJeep
troll?

No troll...........

A while back I needed to pull my front axles, when I shoved them back in I did not realize how much crud that was in the axle tube and I pushed some of it into the diff........that's why I have it apart again and am putting in new inner seals.

I just thought it might be a way to keep the axles tubes from getting full of crud.
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Old Jul 2, 2013 | 11:31 AM
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Default Drilling drain holes in front axle tubes???

This thread is a winner. Just get the tube seals.
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Old Jul 2, 2013 | 12:51 PM
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Thanks for the heads up Randy. Just a few months ago I had my Right "stub" out to change the joint. Now my seal is leaking. Probably exactly what I did, got crap in there.

Now I'm pulling the Diff carriage and both axles. (and doing both seals and the r-U joint) I'll be watching for crap!

(I won't be drilling any holes)

Last edited by DFlintstone; Jul 2, 2013 at 01:27 PM.
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