FRONT AXLE MAINTENANCE
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FRONT AXLE MAINTENANCE
Hey guys, so I plan on pulling the cover off of the front diff one of these weekends. I'm a little worried about how its going to look because I have had a knocking noise in my 4wd for quite some time now, I haven't used it a whole lot but probably more then I should have, I was thinking it was just my lockers because I know they are shot as well. For some time I could tell something was leaking because of the way dirt was getting caked on the right side of my axle but I figured it was from my shock which was blown. But a few weeks ago I installed a leveling kit, fox shocks, and some moog ball joints on my truck, and have discovered that the fluid was coming from the axle tubes due to a failed inner seal. So now I assuming the worst and that the knocking is coming from the differential, so I'll find out once I pull the cover. My question is, I see some people replacing with a gasket and some people using silicone gasket maker, which is the way to go? Also does anybody have the correct part number for the inner axle seals and the tool for pressing them in? I'm sure there is a thread out there somewhere but I haven't been able to find it
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 27,307
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From: Spanaway
Ford Workshop manual has you use a Hypoid safe RTV to seal it. There are places that make a gasket for
this and the rear end also. They you get to pick the use once and toss or the use many times and clean
I stick with the RTV process myself.
this and the rear end also. They you get to pick the use once and toss or the use many times and clean
I stick with the RTV process myself.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 3,941
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From: Texas
Before you replace the inner seals check your differential vent hoses for blockage. This could save time and money...
There is a nipple on top of front and rear diffs with a 3/8” hose that if it gets restricted by mud or dirt dauber wasps when the diff fluid heats up the pressure can’t release and lube pushes past the seals in the axle tubes. Mine did the same on front and rear and it was from mud in the ends of the hoses from these mud wasps we have here. This fixed it and no leaks in 20k. Remove hoses and if they are old and brittle just replace with new 3/8” fuel hose with a piece of stainless screen over the end with a zip tie. Degrease the leaks so you know you fixed it. This will be in addition to resealing diff cover and adding fluid.
There is a nipple on top of front and rear diffs with a 3/8” hose that if it gets restricted by mud or dirt dauber wasps when the diff fluid heats up the pressure can’t release and lube pushes past the seals in the axle tubes. Mine did the same on front and rear and it was from mud in the ends of the hoses from these mud wasps we have here. This fixed it and no leaks in 20k. Remove hoses and if they are old and brittle just replace with new 3/8” fuel hose with a piece of stainless screen over the end with a zip tie. Degrease the leaks so you know you fixed it. This will be in addition to resealing diff cover and adding fluid.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 3,423
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From: Fort Worth, TX
+2 on the Lube Locker gaskets. No more silicone scrapings to clean out before re-assembly.
LLR-D060 for Dana 60 (front)
LLR-F105 for Sterling 10.5 (rear)
These are what I have on my 2003 solid front axle SRW FX4 crew
LLR-D060 for Dana 60 (front)
LLR-F105 for Sterling 10.5 (rear)
These are what I have on my 2003 solid front axle SRW FX4 crew
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Thanks for the quick replys everybody! Couldnt find the time this weekend so hopefully next weekend I can finally get it done! Everything is ordered and will be in later this week! Super stoked to be able to use my 4wd comfortably again, been a lot of snow heading over the hill to work lately!
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shadetreetx
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Jun 16, 2011 03:36 PM
