Axle Seal, Dana 44 Rear 04 Rubicon

[RudeDog]

Okay, it looks like I may soon need to replace the left rear axle seal on a Dana 44. I can't remember when the last time I messed with a non-full floater style rear dif? I've typically only done full floater difs which seem to be more user friendly (easier). So, remove tire/wheel & rotor covered. What else needs to be done? Is the dif cover removed and a set screw and clip taken out to allow the axle to be removed? Is the seal just inside the axle tube? Pop it out and a tap a new one into place, re-assemble? Also what's recommended for lube/oil 85-90 Wt?, any additives?

 

[Utah_jeepster]

With your Dana 44 you don't need to worry about a "c" clip. Four bolts retain your axle to the housing, you can unloosen them after you get the brake rotor off, then you can just pull the axle out. As to weight of gear oil....75-90 is fine, I run 75-140 in mine for my locker. But I think OEM says 75-90 .

 

[RudeDog]

Okay is the seal in the axle tube, and so just pop/pry it out?

 

[jps4jeep]

No, if the rubi D44 is like most other D44's you will need to press off the bearings to access the seal and retainer. While at it, I would also replace the bearing, since you have to press it off and on, might as well spend a couple extra bucks and put a new bearing on there. Kind like replacing a water pump, might as well put a new belt and hoses on.

 

[RudeDog]

Ooookay, darn.... I had a sneaky feeling it wasn't going to be as friendly, or easy as a floater setup is. Thanks for all the responses...

 

[jps4jeep]

My local machine shop, if i buy the seals and bearings from him, he will press them for me at no charge, plus his price is less than NAPA since he sources them directly from Timkin and doesn't have as much mark up.

Usually takes about a 1/2 hour to do both shafts including shooting the shit time with the owner.