Replace right front axle seal, 1998 Dodge Ram 4X4, part 2

The right front axle seal on a 1998 Dodge Ram 4X4 can be difficult, because of limited access to the seal insertion site. That vehicle uses the popular Dana 44, 216FBI axle, used in many light trucks of that vintage. The seal fits into a small cavity in the 4WD shifter housing, and there is no room to swing a hammer or use conventional seal drivers. This video shows a simple method to reliably seat that seal. This video follows my other video describing how I replaced both front axle seals in the same vehicle.

This video is made for entertainment purposes and is not to be construed as an instruction guide. I am not a professional mechanic, so you should bear in mind that a professional might have accomplished this task very differently. If you need advice regarding how to repair your vehicle, you should consult a qualified professional. Remember also to take all appropriate safety precautions, certainly use safety glasses, and remember to carefully test your brakes after any vehicle repair. If you attempt to repair your vehicle, then you do so at your own risk.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• 4x4
• road
• mud
• offroad
• replace axle seal
• Dodge
• Ram
• oil leak
• front
• wheel
• auto repair
• front axle seal
• leaking wheel
• leaking axle
• differential
• Dodge Ram
• Dana 44
• 216FBI axle
• 216FBI
• automobile
• extreme driving
• vehicle
• motor
• sports

[cleaninhouse1]

i went to quad 4x4's home page and found full kits. I called them and tried over the phone to order it and it seems that they don't carry it anymore... do you have a part number that they could look up in their inventory or an exact URL to that part. I have a 99 dodge ram with the exact same leak, I've already tried the washer method and it worked for 2 weeks, now leaking again. Id even buy your seal driver if you would sell it to me. it may be the last one ill ever see.

[spelunkerd]

@cleaninhouse1 I'm sending you a personal message since I don't want my video to become a corporate advertisement. The seal is still for sale on the page I found, and if they don't have it somebody else will -- it would be easy to make on a lathe. I hope it works out for you.

Dave

[gravity006]

I was looking at the first video and was wondering if, while the differential was out, you could run a long pipe or dowel down the left tube and tap it in from the left side?

[spelunkerd]

@gravity006 That is an interesting idea. However remember that the intermediate shaft would have to be reinstalled after the seal is in place, and it doesn't slide in very well, possibly dislodging the seal as it is put in. Also, the big problem is the unfriendly shape of the seal, with the soft rubber parts vulnerable to damage. The best way to install the right seal is the way I've done it here....

Thanks for your creative and thoughtful contribution.

[4g63junkie]

great video very helpful i was wondering how that cad worked and if i ever need axle seals i know how to put them in thanks

[spelunkerd]

@4g63junkie Yeah, It's pretty simple. The CAD is vacuum driven, and when actuated it pushes the fork, which slides that nut over to mesh with the splines of both the intermediate axle and the wheel axle at the same time. When disengaged it only rides on one axle, and the other axle spins independently. The principle is very similar to that of the Chev, that I showed in a different video. Thanks for your comment.

[hp11208]

nice tool

[GoldenRamMtlmstr]

@spelunkerd Wow, pain is right!

[spelunkerd]

@GoldenRamMtlmstr And thank you , Kathy. Glad it helped, though I feel the pain of doing it on a different vintage.

[GoldenRamMtlmstr]

Another great video! Thanks for the info.