What is this part?
 

Ok so while doing some work today on the front hubs, needle bearings, and break slide pins I saw these two black rings that move freely. Does anyone know what these rings are supposed to be? Are they supposed to move freely or do they need to be replaced? This is on the passenger side. Here they are. Help please?
http://images2c.snapfish.com/2323232...3C773336nu0mrj

Right above where it says 1030 is the other ring
http://images2e.snapfish.com/2323232...3C775336nu0mrj


All I know is that it doesn't look right but I could be wrong.

That don't look right, looks like your dust shield axle seals, their supposed to be seated in there.

Mike has it. Those seals seem to wear out really quick. I seem to remember someone saying that they came out with an improved seal (2nd generation) that is better but a bit more expensive. Maybe someone will post that part #.

Those are the dust shields. If that one is that bad, and you have fluid leaking out like that then you axel seal is toast too. The Axel seal is like a double seal... One spins inside the other. They run about $40 to $70 each side depending on where you get them from. Time to replace them. May as well get the seals for the other side too and just get it done. Not hard to do, just have to be careful when replacing them as not to damage the new ones during the install. And make sure to clean up any mating surfaces to make sure they are clean and clear of any rust or you will end up with more leaks, drying out seals and be back where you are now. Also check the diff oil level to make sure you didn't lose too much.

I had my passenger side replaced when my shop did my ball joints, hated to do it, nothing was wrong with the current one but I figured he was in there, might as well get it done before I had an unexpected failure. Pretty sure my mech. said there is an upgraded one, the seal cost me 70.00 alone from Ford plus the ESOF seals if I remember correctly, that was another price. Jody, get this kit from Ed, http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...egoryID=152538 it will cover both sides..

Ed
 

When i did my ball joints last month, I ordered ALL of the seals and all 4 ball joints through Ed, and it was under 400 for everything including shipping. Unless you are friendly with your local ford part guy, Ed will beat them by huge amounts, my experience speaking here, so take it for what it is.

Dose that kit replace the seal for the ESOF in the hubs also?

I have changed the inner axle seals.........https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...placement.html

Thanks for all the help guys. It looks like they are leaking but they are not leaking. What you see is some "PB" that leaked down. Had to soak the nuts to take off the hub assembly to grease the needle bearings. Thanks again for the help.