I think I have a leaky front diff but haven't looked into how much of a PITA it is to pull and replace the seals.
Rodney
The Chilton flat rate labor book reads as follows;
R. side output shaft seal 1.5 hours
L. side output shaft seal 8 hours. Because you must remove the carrier differential to replace this seal.
Entire differential remove and replace 7 hours.
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Below is from the repair manual. a lot of work. with special tools. The pictures did not copy over.
Output Shaft Seal Replacement - Left Side
Output Shaft Seal Replacement - Left Side
Special Tools
GE-8092 Driver Handle
J 25070 Heat Gun
J 45017 Seal Installer
J 45019 Flange and Pinion Cage Remover
J 46265 Stub Shaft Seal Installer
Removal Procedure
Remove the carrier from the vehicle. Refer to Differential Carrier Assembly Replacement.
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Remove the bolts from the pinion bearing housing.
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Install the J 45019 flange and pinion cage remover and slide hammer.
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Using the J 25070 heat gun , apply heat around the pinion housing to ease removal.
Remove the J 45019 flange and pinion cage remover from the flange.
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Remove the pinion assembly, O-ring, and the shims from the from differential carrier.
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Remove the carrier side cover bolts.
Using the appropriate tool in the pry tabs, remove the carrier side cover.
Remove the O-ring from the side cover.
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Remove the differential assembly from the carrier.
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Remove the right output shaft seal from the cover.
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Using a suitable tool, remove the left output shaft oil seal from the carrier.
Installation Procedure
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Using the J 46265 stub shaft seal installer (2) and GE-8092 driver handle (1), install the left output shaft seal.
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Install the selected shims and the NEW O-ring on the pinion housing.
NOTE
Note
Inspect the bearing housing for nicks and burrs. Remove if necessary.
Apply a light coat of gear lube to the bearing housing to ease installation.
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NOTE
Note
Inspect the carrier pinion housing bore for nicks or burrs. Remove if necessary.
Apply a light coat of gear lube into the pinion housing bore of the carrier.
Using the J 25070 heat gun , apply heat to the differential carrier.
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Using the two long bolts from J 45019 flange and pinion cage remover as guides, align the housing bolt holes to the carrier bolt holes.
Hand tighten the guide bolts.
Applying even pressure, push the housing evenly into the differential housing.
Remove the long bolts.
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CAUTION
Caution
Refer to Fastener Caution.
Install the pinion housing bolts and tighten to 29 N·m (21 lb ft).
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Install the differential assembly into the differential carrier.
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Lightly lube the outside diameter of the oil seal with axle lube.
Using the J 45017 seal installer , install the right output shaft oil seal (21).
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Install a NEW carrier cover O-ring into the groove.
Apply a light coat of gear lube to the O-ring area.
Align the bolt holes and push cover onto the differential carrier evenly.
Start the cover bolts in the holes by hand.
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Install the side cover mounting bolts (1) and tighten to 29 N·m (21 lb ft) in a criss-cross pattern.
Install the drain plug. Refer to Axle Lubricant Change (w/o Differential Cooler) | Axle Lubricant Change (w/Differential Cooler 1st Design) | Axle Lubricant Change (w/Differential Cooler 2nd Design).
Install the carrier into the vehicle. Refer to Differential Carrier Assembly Replacement.
Fill the differential with fluid. Refer to Front Axle Lubricant Replacement.
