Dana IFS leaking...

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Dec 2, 2002 | 03:18 PM

BucksCountyCountryBoy

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From: Pocono Mountains, PA

Dana IFS leaking...

Howdy,

I have a Dana 50 front IFS axle that's leaking out the bottom of the diff...I have to refill it regularly. What's the proper procedure for removing the cover? It looks like the whole doggone housing splits as there's no obvious cover to remove. Is this the case?

Any help appreciated!

80 F250 Ranger 4X4 cab on 87 Chassis --
1984 351W - Mallory Uni-Lite, MSD wires, Offy intake, 600 Holley, K&N filter, Shorty headers - Dual Exhaust with twin Flowmaster 50's, C-6 trans, American Racing 767's 33x12.5x16.5 sneakers--

Alpine stereo with 400W Jensen Amp and 2 x 300 Watt "boom boxes" behind seat - 2 x 180 watt Xplod's in the doors..

Still workin' on it!

Dec 2, 2002 | 06:30 PM

skipper

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From: Coopersville

Dana IFS leaking...

I believe the Dana 50 IFS works the same as the Dana 44 IFS. In this case the "cover" is actually the main axle assembly. You basically have to remove the whole third member by removing what look to be the cover bolts. I had to go through this whole process on my '86 to get to the c-clip that holds in the passenger side axle. When I replaced it I just cleaned both surfaces real good with a scraper and some acetone. I then used a very small bead of silicone gasket maker. I did this back in June and so far no leaks.

Dec 2, 2002 | 06:51 PM

BucksCountyCountryBoy

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From: Pocono Mountains, PA

Dana IFS leaking...

From what you described doing ..yepper that's what it sounds like.. I crawled around under there again after posting with a strong light and from the rear of the housing I could see evidence of what appeared to be either a gasket or silicone sealer inside the case (The space around the edge lets you see all the way to the front of the "cover")

Looked to me kinda like I'd need to remove the whole doggone thing to "split" it though.. did you do this with the axel still in place?

Thanks for the input...

80 F250 Ranger 4X4 cab on 87 Chassis --
1984 351W - Mallory Uni-Lite, MSD wires, Offy intake, 600 Holley, K&N filter, Shorty headers - Dual Exhaust with twin Flowmaster 50's, C-6 trans, American Racing 767's 33x12.5x16.5 sneakers--

Alpine stereo with 400W Jensen Amp and 2 x 300 Watt "boom boxes" behind seat - 2 x 180 watt Xplod's in the doors..

Still workin' on it!

Dec 2, 2002 | 11:17 PM

skipper

Senior User

Joined: Dec 2000

Posts: 127

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From: Coopersville

Dana IFS leaking...

Yeah, I did it with the axle still in place. Just remove the driveshaft and start loosening the bolts on the "cover". Don't forget to put something underneath the axle to catch all of the oil that will start leaking out once the bolts are loosened, and make sure to support the third member as you loosen the bolts. BTW, if you don't want to use gasket maker you might want to check NAPA because I think that they make gaskets for this application. Good Luck!

Dec 3, 2002 | 07:37 AM

Mark Kovalsky

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From: SE Florida

Dana IFS leaking...

Dec 3, 2002 | 07:40 AM

BucksCountyCountryBoy

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Joined: Oct 2002

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From: Pocono Mountains, PA

Dana IFS leaking...

Ok!

Thanks a bunch!

It's sure nice to have some confirmation from someone who's been there and done that of what you THINK you figured out before actually beginning surgery..LOL!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Larry

80 F250 Ranger 4X4 cab on 87 Chassis --
1984 351W - Mallory Uni-Lite, MSD wires, Offy intake, 600 Holley, K&N filter, Shorty headers - Dual Exhaust with twin Flowmaster 50's, C-6 trans, American Racing 767's 33x12.5x16.5 sneakers--

Alpine stereo with 400W Jensen Amp and 2 x 300 Watt "boom boxes" behind seat - 2 x 180 watt Xplod's in the doors..

Still workin' on it!

Dec 3, 2002 | 03:06 PM

skipper

Senior User

Joined: Dec 2000

Posts: 127

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From: Coopersville

Dana IFS leaking...

Something I forgot to mention, and should kick myself for forgetting, is that you will have to pull out the axles. You may get by without pulling the divers side, but the passenger side, definately. Kind of a big part to forget, but when I pulled mine the axles were already out and I didn't even think about mentioning it.

It really isn't that hard, though. When I did it over the summer it was the first time I had ever done it. It it a little time consuming but not that difficult. You will, however, need a spindle nut removal tool ($20 at NAPA) if you don't already have one. No other specialty tools are really required. Sorry about the confusion. Next time I'll unstick the dumb button before I post.