ok so i was wheeling yesterday and busted my left front u-joint and tore up the whole axle shaft assembly as well. after getting towed out of the woods i noticed the plastic axle seal was gone and so of course its leaking gear oil. my question is how do i know if the inner (or intermediate, im not sure which it would be called) axle seal is torn up? I've done axle seals on ford and chevy rear axles but have never done anything with dana differentials until now. (Dana 30)

by the way im new to the forum. my names scott and im from harford county in northeastern maryland. my rig is a 1995 Jeep Cherokee lifted 6 inches on 33's.

 

also i forgot to mention when i pulled the diff cover off the fluid was completely white and slowly drooped out almost like elmers glue. would that be caused by water getting into the diff housing? the fluid doesnt look or feel like it has any water or mud in it... ill post pics tomorrow

 

There is only one axle seal per side and it's in the pumpkin, not at the end of the axle tubes. That's just a plastic dust shield near the u-joints.
To replace the seals you have to pull the axles and empty out the diff housing.

I have no idea what was in the fluid to make it that stiff, but I'd agree it needs changing!

 

Just look at the seal when you pull the axle . Use a flash light and shine it in the hole.

 

ok now im having trouble removing the axle shaft. ive got the hub/wheel bearing off but the axle will only slide out about a half inch before it feels like it hits a wall. and yes it is a non disconnect axle. any ideas?

 

Should pop right out ....

 

Lol yeah it should... but that sum b*tch is stuck

 

Isn't there a clip in there?

 

nope, no c-clip. i read that the older jeeps may have had them to aid in assembly at the factory but mine doesn't.

 

Did you pull your carrier our? You'll need to if your going to change the seals anyways. Shaft might be caught up on it some how...

 

You will never remove the carrier with the axle still in there. Attach a slide hammer to whats left of the axle and yank it out.

 

Your right, my apologies Sir. I just changed my seals on mine about a month ago... not sure where my mind was while I typed that...

 

well im convinced the axle is bent/burred/twisted something along those lines. ill give her hell tomorrow and let you guys know.

 

See if the other side comes out OK? Double check you don't have clips? Any chance you have a different diff?

 

Push the shaft in and then give it a good yank.