How should rear axle seal fit axle?

[mgb0302]

How should the axle seal sit on the axle?? I assume the rubber is supposed to fit snug on the axle - correct? While putting axles back in, I noticed the inner diameter of the seal is a bit larger than the outer diameter of the axle. There is a pic in my gallery. https://classicbroncos.com/forums/media/img_4157-jpeg.32355/

I have a 28 spline, small bearing rear end (verified by referencing the WH4x4 website - axle retainer is 2 x 3.375) and the seal was from Summit Racing (part # YMS51098).

 

[DirtDonk]

Yes, you are correct. If you slide it up to the lubricated seal surface, it should be snug.
Always do this gently with a little oil or grease on it and spin it slightly so you don’t risk damaging the new seal on any sharp edge of the surface.
Just in case…

I don’t have my part numbers memorized anymore, so is it possible that that is a large axle seal? That would explain why it’s a sloppy fit on the small axle.

 

[73azbronco]

pretty hard to see it on the truck, any shift will make it look like how you describe. Are you leaking fluid?

 

[mgb0302]

Yes, you are correct. If you slide it up to the lubricated seal surface, it should be snug.
Always do this gently with a little oil or grease on it and spin it slightly so you don’t risk damaging the new seal on any sharp edge of the surface.
Just in case…

I don’t have my part numbers memorized anymore, so is it possible that that is a large axle seal? That would explain why it’s a sloppy fit on the small axle.

Well I discovered the problem. Summit Racing’s description says this seal fits 66-72 but the label on the package says it will fit “some Ford 9”, some Dana 44, and some Dana 60”! WTH?!?! Why not just say “maybe this work, maybe it won’t”! Will discuss with Summit. Bought correct seal from Autozone.
**************

 

[DirtDonk]

Well, in their defense, that only semi-lame description is actually accurate.
It does fit “some“ 66 to 72 (and beyond), including Dana 44 and Dana 60.
It just doesn’t fit the all of them.
The small bearing version of the 9 inch would be the odd man out. So it’s apparently up to us to know the part number.
They really should add the bit about big or small.
I don’t think you’ll have any problem with them. They are usually pretty good about this kind of stuff.