Was cleaning under the truck today and found what looks like loose oil seals on both sides of the front axle (where the axle shaft comes out of the housing before the steering knuckle u-joints). No oil leaking and they seem to just be rolling around on the axle shaft. Should I try to force them back in the housing or pull the steering knuckle and try to replace them?

Kinda wierd both sides would fall out?

2006 king ranch ccsb 4x4

 

They are dust covers. I would try but they probably will come off again. Ford revised them so the stay on better. You should be able to do a search for the parts.

 

They are dust seals, a lot, maybe most SD's are running around with them like that. When the time comes to replace the front bearing hubs or knuckle u-joints replace them with the updated design, until then don't worry you are not hurting anything.

 

Cut them off. When you do front Ujoints or wheel bearings or ball joints (LOL) have the updated seals installed. Don't worry about it until then, unless your mud bogging up to your bumpers.