Just inherited my wife's '04 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo (she got an '06 GC Laredo) with 99,000 miles on it and the passenger side rear diff seal is leaking. I really can't (and don't want to) pay a shop $90 an hour to do the job. I'd like to tackle this myself. I've been a car guy for 20+ years, so I'd like to think this isn't outside my realm. I had some experience with GM C-clip rears about 10 years ago but haven't ever done a Jeep.

After decoding my VIN, I found out my Jeep has the Dana 34 (hope I got that number right) rear. Can someone walk me through the steps to replace the seals? I've heard everything from they're a breeze to having to use a die grinder and an air chisel to get them apart. I'd like to have some idea what I'm up against!

Also, heard it is impossible to replace these without destroying the bearings. True or B.S?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys! -Marc.

 

I dont have any experience with the rear end yet... but go buy a Haynes manual. I have found they help alot!!