I'm putting new axle shafts in my 01 F350 4x4, so I am using new seals at the same time. The iners go on great, but the outers are such a tight fit that I can't put them on with out destroying the seal.

The seals metal surface that meets the axle shaft is 1/16 or so too small.
Everything Ford or the parts store can get is just like this.

What came off looks like a diffrent style, but nobody knows what it is.

Any ideas before I get the grinder out and make the seal bigger?

EDIT: The trucks SRW and I am doing the front axle shafts

 

bump from page two.

 

Getting it back from page three.

 

What are you using to install the new seal? You need something that supports the inner part of the seal while you drive it on so that it doesn't get destroyed. Any chance you have a picture of the old one that looks like a different style?

 

Are you talking about the hub seal that is about 4" in diameter? If so, there is a special tool to install them. I too my axles to the dealership and they did it for free.

 

Hmmm...now you guys got me worried.
I just put new u joints on my front axle last night, due to the winter weather advisory issued for my area tonite.
when I pulled out the axle I didn't pay attention to where the metal ring was located.
I just assumed it went on the inside of the rubber seal cause thats how it fit and I didnt see any way to put iton the outside.
I just assumed that it was to keep the rubber seal from collapsing in?? Is this what you guys are talking about?

 

I don't know what metal ring you're talking about, can you post pictures?

 

Didn't think about taking pics of the job.
It's located behind the wheel bearing assembly.
looks like a retainer but like I said, I thought it was to keep the seal tight to the side of the assembly.

 

There is a grey plastic thrust washer with 4 grooves that goes between the bearing assembly and the seal.

 

I found out the old and new are the same, its just an update of the same part #.

What does this tool look like and how do I get it?

 

harbor freight has those // if u have a HF?

 

if you have a bench grinder, make the driver yourself. You need one 1 1/4" x 6" pipe, flange and cap. I forget the closest diameter of flange but you'll need to grind it down to fit into the seal. You will also use the same driver to install the axle into the knuckle.
Here it is sitting properly in the seal:

 

Haha, great. HF is 35 miles away and I was there today.

I will just have to go back.
Whats the tool I am looking for?

 

Ok, and that will support it so it does not bend?

Useing a wood block just destroys the seal.

 

As long as the flange is flat and you grind it so it does not press against the outer metal ring. You have to hit it hard.