Salvaging inner spindle shaft dust seal??

[ToddEdge]

While installing a leveling kit last night, I noticed 2 seals that were spinning with the axle shaft freely and clearly not installed. I believe these are called the inner spindle shaft seals, which is just a dust shield. I tried to push them in with a screwdriver but, could not get them to set correctly. I see most installing them with a special driver tool but, to do this, you have to remove the axle shafts. Is there a way to install these without tearing apart the front axle? Does Ford have some kind of tool to re-seat them while the axle shafts are on the truck? Here is a picture of mine and both are the same.

 

[ToddEdge]

**The dealer wants $652 to replace both seals. I'm just hoping there is a way to push the current seals back into place but, they are likely original and need to be replaced...

 

[Zmann]

just let em flop some Danas don't have any seal there

and when it comes time to do u joints or other work you can get the updated seals that fit tightly in to the axle housing vs riding on the axle shaft

 

[Zmann]

right side of pic = old and flopping around

new style inserts in to axle tube

 

[florida 6.0]

I cut mine off a long time ago . Biggest deal is they keep mud out of the axle tube if you go off road . It won't get into the differential just the tubes .

 

[TyCorr]

The crappy flippers are 50-120 each and they do nothing. If you can get the older style ones you pound in good otherwise waste of $$.

Op- you can remove the axle shafts pretty damn easy.

 

[ToddEdge]

Thanks guys. Sounds like I'll just cut them off and whenever I do any major work on the front, I'll get the upgraded push in style seals.

Thanks - Todd

 

[TyCorr]

The only scenario that you'll encounter that chance will be ball joints and possibly the unitized bearings if you tear it all the way apart.

 

[ToddEdge]

The only scenario that you'll encounter that chance will be ball joints and possibly the unitized bearings if you tear it all the way apart.

Thanks. I've got a little slop in the steering so ball joints might be in the near future...