rear axle seals

JHPSTANG · 11-03-2009, 09:07 PM

So I went to NAPA and got the rear axle seals for my 8" rear end. I had some trouble getting the old ones out, but finally did. When comparing the old and new though they are not the same. the ID and the OD appear to be right but the new one is not as thick. Is this right? It seems like it should not matter, but I don't want to put in the wrong ones. the number 13700 is on the box.

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JHPSTANG · 11-03-2009, 09:36 PM

So I was reading an old thread:
http://mustangforums.com/forum/class...difficult.html
and it mentioned that the new seals may be thinner, so I'm thinking it might be right. Any thoughts would be helpful. thanks

Starfury · 11-03-2009, 09:58 PM

No problem, they'll work fine. The ID and OD are the important parts.

JHPSTANG · 11-03-2009, 10:03 PM

Thanks Starfury. I knew if I mentioned NAPA you would come along! I'm going to bed, but tomorrow night those seals are on!

gjz30075 · 11-03-2009, 10:23 PM

I had difficulty installing Napa seals because they are so thin. You have to be really careful when tapping them in because they seem to bend pretty easily.

Starfury · 11-03-2009, 10:47 PM

You're right, you do have to hit them nice and square.

I actually don't work at Napa anymore. O'reilly (who bought CSK) brought me in to run their commercial dpt in town. Started that yesterday.

hiboostwoody · 11-04-2009, 01:33 AM

Here's a tip about installing pretty much any seal. Pack the back side of it between the rubber part and the outer metal part with grease to keep the spring in when installing it. If the spring comes out and you don't put it back in, the seal will leak. Also, you can usually pick up a fairly inexpensive seal and race driver set that will make installing seals without distorting them a lot easier. The last cheap one I saw (I think it was even at CSK) was like $18.

JHPSTANG · 11-04-2009, 08:41 AM

Congrats on the new job Starfury!
I was a bit worried about driving them since they are so thin. I'll be careful. Thanks for the tip.

Houndstooth · 11-05-2009, 03:45 PM

I noticed the same thing with the seals on my 8" but it's been a couple of months since I replaced them and have had no leaks. I bought a slide hammer and an 18 piece seal driver set from Harbor Freight for $13 each and had no trouble getting the old ones out or the new ones in.