I used a socket, 1 1/2in I think, put an extension on it and pounded them in from the opposite side with my hi-jack handle and a hammer.

A 2nd hand would have made it much easier I think, almost needed two people, but I managed with one. Any other tricks for next time?

Also, PSA to use mopar/spicer seals (they looked the same), other brand failed really quickly on both sides (less than 1000 mi), competent shop put them it. I replaced along with adding chromo axles to my TJ.

Took me about 8 hours, as many beers, and a break for a philly cheese steak and trip to the auto store for diff fluid and 36mm & 1 1/2in socket.

 

That's what I did. U could make your own seal pusher, using a long coupling nut, couple of threaded rods and two large sockets Basically turn the threads until it pushes the seals in

 

self explaning ....

 

Apply lots of grease to the the seal opening (where the axle shaft goes), around the spring of the seal, and the axle shaft when they go back in. They say it protects them against damage when the axle goes back in.

I didn't do it first time and one seal failed. Second time it was good, but I put lots of grease on it.

There is nothing as frustrating as doing this job and then having to do it again shortly after because the seal didn't hold - punch to the mechanical gut.

 

Nice, I'll try that next time. Note, those are the seals that failed on me last time (competent shop put them in). New ones were this: