well today ,sunday I decided that since my front diff stop leaking fluid out of the front axle seal that it may be a good time to replace it.(no I have not been driving with an empty front diff my truck sits a lot this time of year)I pulled the wheel ,brakes ' 4 nuts and then came to an impasse, the snap ring on the axle shaft.The snap ring pliers I have are too short so I went out in search .After wasting my entire day, and breaking a couple sets of cheap pliers, here I sit wondering where the hell can I get a good quality pair of snap ring pliers asap/ I tried the "zones" and "advances" just to find stubby cheap POS. I went to Sears and spent $30 bucks on so lifetime guaranteed only to have the ends bend and break on me. Tried depot and lowes and they have same one as sears just branded different. Anyone know what brand/ model I need to get that will work?.. also any other tips on this job as this truck is an 06 f 250, I know the fun hasn't even started yetas in breaking the bearing assembly loose and prying axle shaft out.Thanks Joe
.

 

If you are referring to replacing the inner axels seals the whole differential needs to be disassembled to replace them. The seal on the outer end of the tube is just a dust seal and will not prevent the fluid from leaking.

Not trying to insult you just want to make sure I know what you are going after.

Sarge

 

Well I guess I'll be doing that next . I was under the assumption that held fluid in as the seal is shredded. Thanks

 

Try your local Snap-on or MAC supplier. The best part is in the middle of a job and missing the right tool they come to us at the worksite and we don't waste time/fuel searching.

 

Hi Joey...just a thought: Amazon has many really good tools and can usually expedite shipping,sometimes overnight. good luck,Dave

 

Sears used to have a good selection of well made tools.

 

Yes, that was true but like many others, many of their tools are now made in China with not so great quality

 

I hear you on that . The pliers I got from Sears were junk. I went to a mechanic"friend " and borrowed his snap on pliers and done deal. But what a pita getting the rubber seal out of the knuckle. Replaced seals with updatd ones greased u joint and bearing as much as possible and do me deal . She rides good . THanks for everyone's input