installing a driveshaft oil seal

[Ron A]

David M. Hoffman said:

I checked the seal before I reinserted the axle but I apparently missed
some
damage.  My Haynes Primera manual and a quick inspection has convinced
me that it will be nearly impossible to insert a new seal properly
(manual says 5.9-6.1 mm positioning from the trans case).

I was also faced with this in the last couple of weeks. On the passenger
side of the transmission, there is only enough room to put the axle seal
in position, but with the crossmember and the exhaust, there isn't
enough room to tap it in properly.  I suppose this could be called the
"ghetto" way I installed mine.

I took the lid off the spray paint can that I got from Pep Boys for my
car color. It was just the right size to hold on to the ring of rubber
sticking out from the seal. Then I got the biggest socket I had and my
Snap-on 1/2" drive extension which is about 8" long. That brought the
point far enough towards the side of the car where I could get a swing
at the end of the extension and tap the seal in.
1. I tried other things first, without success.
2. I didn't want to take the crossmember out. My ES bushing fiasco said
last resort only.
3. Even though the paint can top was plastic, it held up just fine, but
it still took two tries. On the first try, the seal went in too far on
one side. Kind of a good reason to have two seals ($10.xx each full
retail locally. It was an emergency ya know).

Once it starts going in straight, just take it slow until the edge is
flush with the transmission and you're done. THEN, be really careful
putting the axle back in. Don't catch the edge of the seal. Hit the
center of the hole.

Ron Atteberry
92 Classic--ball joints next...