Topic: 97 tj 2.5 front differential taking in water

[79jeepcj]

Everytime I get in water I have to change the fliud in the front diff. Is it a big job to replace the two seals.
Roy

[Jeffy]

Sort of...  Yours is a CJ D30 right?  You'll need to remove the outer spindles, to the the axles out.  Drain the diff, take the cover off, remove the carrier.  The axle seams are on the other side of the bearing caps in the axle tubes.  Make sure you get the bearing caps back on in the right position.  They should be marked so you don't mix them up.

[aw12345]

Spicer marks the caps with a stamped letter one on each side one is stamped horizontal on the cap and housing and the other is stamped vertical

[79jeepcj]

Hey Guys I have two Jeeps a CJ & a TJ
I'm doing the 97 TJ front axle seals that are in the tube. So I just remove the axles & the 4 big bolts I'll see after removing the disk cover. Do I have to take the front driveshaft yoke off??
Thanks Roy

[FourbangerYJ]

http://www.4x4rockshop.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=11044

If you are talking about the seals like the above link. Then you need to remove the 3 bolts with the 12 point 13mm socket. The 2 bolts that hold the caliper on. And the tire of course. Pull the axle out and install the seal and re-assemble. The big 36mm nut can stay on. The unit bearing assy. will come out with the shafts.

[FourbangerYJ]

http://www.stu-offroad.com/axle/usaseal/usaseal-1.htm

Better yet here is a write up on how to install those seals.

[79jeepcj]

OK but to get the I think it's called the crown gear out do ya need to remove the front driveshaft and yoke?? after you remove the 4 big bolts on the  carrier bear rings I think they are called??
Roy

[Jeffy]

OK but to get the I think it's called the crown gear out do ya need to remove the front driveshaft and yoke?? after you remove the 4 big bolts on the  carrier bear rings I think they are called??
Roy

No, you do not touch the pinion gear.  Once the bearing clamps are off, it will be a PITA to get the carrier out but if you use a pry bar and roll it out, it will come out.

[FourbangerYJ]

  Holy cow I was way off. I need reading lessons!

[79jeepcj]

LMAO
I think I'm ready to go with this, picking up 3 seals 1 for a spare incase I screw one up.And two new axles.
Thanks Roy

[Jeffy]

Here's what I remember...

Drain the diff.
Remove the tires
Remove the calipers and discs
On the backside of the knuckle there are 3 13mm bolts that hold the hub on.  Remove those and pull the axle shafts out.
Check bearing blocks orientation and remove (aw12345 is correct.  You'll see something like CC and UU. marked on the bearing cap and the differential case.
Put prybar in diff and try to pry the axle out in a rolling motion.
Catch carrier before it hits the ground.
Pry out seals from each side of the axle tube.
Install new ones.
Reverse above...

Bearing Caps Bolts - 45ft.lbs
Hub to Knuckle Bolts - 45ft.lbs
Diff Cover Bolts - 30ft.lbs
Caliper Bolts - 5-17ft.lbs

[79jeepcj]

 Thanks Jeffy
Going to pick up two new axles and seals, plus a extra seal just in case. And get at it .
Roy

[Got Wood?]

That stu-offroad write up that fourbangeryj posted has a link to another write up on removing the hub/unit bearing. I recently tried that method and I was amazed at how easily they came out. No pry bar, no slide hammer, no beating the crud out of it with a hammer. Just a bolt and a steering wheel.