Couldn't have said it better.

 

since we're on the subject got a question.
I just swapped out my front axles from my 91 to my 98. The 91 had new ujoints in it, Found out that the 91 also had much beefier axles. Bonus!
Now the question. There is nothing but a plastic shield that sorta covers the axle tube. no other seal that I saw. Is there one deep near the diff or what. What's to stop all my fluid from draining out of the axle tube.
Inquiring minds want to know.

 

Yes there is an inner axle tube outside the carrier bearings way inside the tube. You gotta be careful when reinserting the axles into the carrier so you don't damage this seal.

There are Alloy USA axle tube seals that replace that plastic seal on the outside that you are talking about.

This is what they look like on the inside...and what happens when you drag the axles back into the carrier....

 

$15 per gasket. $30 for 2.

Plus their reusable. And i'm lazy and impatient! LOL!

This might come in handy if (for some gawdawful reason, knock wood) you have to open one up on the trail for repair?

 

thats what i was gonna say, their reusable. i bought 2 also, ill be puttin the front one on, when i put my posi lock cable in. i havnt changed the front diff lube yet.

 

Remember though.. you stated yourself that you were "Lazy" so, as I am sure many here would agree, you did what most lazy people would do...

I have done this myself... but I am a REAL stickler and my mechanic knows it, so they do not play that you have to stay outside crap...

 

Well three weeks later, about 1k miles, and she's still running perfectly. So no harm no foul, it was worth it, I love the new job.