I am reassembling my Dana 60 on my F-350 OBS '97. I was wondering if anyone knew of an outer axle seal to keep dirt and water out of the Axle housing tube. I replaced the inner axle seals next to the differential (the ones you need to take the ring gear/carrier out to replace). Trying to keep crap out of the axle tubes. Worried about water and what not getting into the tubes while four wheeling. Again not talking about the spindle seals on the outboard shaft. Looking for a seal next to the inner shafts yoke. I don't remember there being a seal in this location. Diesel Brad? Cary? Anybody?

 

I have only found these Dana 60 Front Axle Tube Seals but never tried them.

Rusty

 

They are available but you have to hunt a little bit.

There were none in my donor '95 D60 and I cleaned out less than a shot glass between both sides of dirt.

My research found that most people say to not worry about it. I did not put them in mine...

 

Only thing I can add is if there are seals then when moisture or debris gets in then it is harder to get out later.
The clearance between the axle and tube is fairly close so its not going to pick up big stuff anyway.but then again maybe that's why the seals leak so often anyway?

 

Some of the Dana 60s had the outer axle tube seals and some didn't. They still let water and dirt get in the tube. Makes it harder for it to run back out too. They kinda trap it in there. I replaced the ones on my last truck when I did the D60 swap, but I don't go 4 wheeling or mudding......not intentionally any way! LOL! But here is where I got mine. 50492 Spicer Dana 60 Outer Axle Dust Seal

 

Thanks Rusty, found them at Summit Racing for $26.97each instead of the link you posted for $45 each. Still a bit steep for a seal but it might be worth it. I wonder if it would be worth while to drill and tap a small drain hole in the tube. I wonder if it really would compromise any tube strength.

 

Put in a seal and then drill a hole to let out what the seal didn't stop.

-Or-

Leave the seal out and let what creeps in, creep back out.

$50 buys a lot of beer and the no-seal option is less work and equally effective in my mind, but it is your call.

 

Thanks Rusty, I bought those Aftermarket seals for the axle tubes. Seals-It (Part #EAS2-5 Economy Axle Seal D 60). Got them through Summit Racing. I Installed them today in the axle tube ends. Instructions came in the boxes. Basically sand and clean the tube end. Pack the inside of the tube seal with low melt grease (not sure what that ment). I used Axle grease. Run one bead of RTV on the inner section of the seal's rubber lips. Installed by hand. Allow to dry in place. Lube Axle shaft slightly to install through the rubber lips. Looks factory Perfect. The way it should have been.

 

Good deal.

Rusty