After returning from a short drive up town, I smelled hot oil near the left rear tires. Quick look found oil had been leaking out the axle end and onto the brake assy. It's been a few years since I DIY'd rear seals, but I believe I am still up to it. This will be the first time on a Dodge. Any suggestions or tips would sure be appreciated.

It looks pretty straight forward. Do I need a puller to get the axle out or does it use clips/retainers??? I will make a good inspection of the bearings while I am in this far, maybe replace them anyway.

Also, I see a lot of posts on here about converting to Synthetic oil, might be a good time to replace it? I really don't want to open the Diff Cover if I don't have to.

Thanks to you all for responses and being available thru this excellent Forum. I'll miss work on Monday to get parts/oil and dive into this. I'll get some photos of the work to post in case anyone else is needing to do this also.

Doug.... 2003 Dodge 3500, Automatic, Dually

 

This should help
om/album/546669332qttgCq?track_pagetag=/page/photo/rides/trucks&track_action=/MediaInfo/AlbumTitle

 

Thanks for the link Clayten, but the first part of the link didn't paste. Can you repost it for me please.

 

Don't go missing work just yet. You will have to probly order most, if not all the part's. The seal's are dealer only. The bearing's you should get from a local part's place because they are half the price.

No clip's or anything on the inside of the cover. There is a retaining clip and nut accesable from the outside. Jack up the side you're working on to keep the fluid from running out. This is if you have disc brake's. If not,,,sorry. Don't know if it's the same or not.

 

Ok I will try again.
http://rides.webshots.com/album/5466...nfo/AlbumTitle

 

I wouldn't bother replacing the bearings if it is relatively low mileage.

Do replace the brake material on both sides and clean off any oil.

I haven't done it on an 03... on my 97 with drums, the only special tool needed was a big *** (but thin) nut for the retaining nut. Not too hard, really.

 

Thanks for the timely responses, photo link and support. I will phone from work tomorrow for parts and do it as soon as possible. I'll be back for a closing report as soon as I "Git 'er Done".

 

So do you have rear disc's?

 

Sorry, didn't respond earlier. Yes I do have the Disc's all around.

Doug....

 

Had to do rear seals twice in my 03. once at 60000 and again at 100000 . I do a lot of towing so put it off as normal wear and tear.