My new, used front axle housing is leaking by the cv joint on the driver side. I've got a call in for an estimate, but I'm wondering how hard it is to change the seals. I've changed out the rear seals on an 8.8 before and that was easy, is it anything like that?

This is for a 2004 Ford Ranger.

 

Is it out of the truck? Whne I had mine out, it was easy. Use a seal puller (like a double claw hammer), then pound them back in with a large socket, seal seater, or block of wood. It's really quite easy, though I wish I had the seal set....Harbor Freight has one for 20 bucks or so.
This thing....
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=95853


It's exactly like the rear, not sure about clearance while in the truck.

 

Negative, it is still on the truck, but its not too hard to take down. Is the seal set back a little bit, or does it sit right at the end of the axle, like the rear?

 

right at the end, just like the rear.

 

Good to know, thanks guys.

Before I work on it, is a flat head screwdriver ok to use as a substitute as a seal puller? That's what was used to fix my rear seals on my Bronco's 8.8.

One more question -with the rear, you have to remove the diff cover, knock out the pin, then pull the axle shafts out. Is it anything like that on the front end?

 

A screw drive will work but it is just hard to do. As for the shaft no all you need to do is take a pry bar and pry the shafts out of the axle, no c clips.

 

When I did my DS front seal I had to pull the whole spindle off because I could not wiggle out the axle shaft with just the lower ball joint and tie rod off. It is not that hard just make sure you have a socket for the axle nut. I don't remember what it is, but it is big. It is a little hard to get in there to put the new seal in too. I had a friend help me hold everything where I need it to have enough room.

 

36mm I do beleive......as for the seal, go to sears and spend 12 bucks on teh puller. Looks like a double sided claw hammer, makes it super ease for all seals and some bearing races.