Using a bearing install tool to install seals

[Frank S]

Many are following my several threads of the tools I made for the rebuild of a Ford/ Masda 7.5 LS differential
I made mention in the thread http://www.homemadetools.net/forum/a...all-tool-68789 Of how I planed to use the same tool to install the axle seals.
Here's the tip when installing an oil seal that has a spring under the lip it is always best to have an install tool which emulates the shaft which is going to be running in it. The reason for this is not all, but in some of the seals the spring can be dislodged when installing if there is no sealing surface present. For this reason alone I like to use a tool which protrudes through the seal itself while I am installing it.
Since my tool that I made was machined so it could set the bearing deep in the housing to its stop it would only work to install the seal if the seal had a flange like the original factory seal. My replacement seals did not.
My solution rather than machine anohter tool I decided to simply use a couple of left over thick shims that came in the master rebuild kit. this limited the install tool to striking against the housing and insureing that the seal was installed to the proper depth and square



Another thing I do is to use a thin amount of sealant on the seal housing. My reason for doing this is sometimes the part that the seal is being installed in can have some damage to the surface the sealant helps to prevent leakage between the seal and the part.

Seal installed Also you may note the bearing has been pre lubed with the same lubricant that will be running in the diff. My reason for this is Grease and oils are not always readily compatible the presents of a small amount of grease will not contaminate the lube but also it takes time to be broken down and mixed with the lube, meaning the bearing could run dry before the lube ever gets past a glob of grease.
Additionally I prefer lubes with a high sticktion (SP) or akin to molasses in its ability to stay put.

Links to the other threads which explain more on the rebuilding of a rear end
http://www.homemadetools.net/forum/s...-adapter-68788
http://www.homemadetools.net/forum/h...ng-tools-68786
http://www.homemadetools.net/forum/p...all-tool-68704
http://www.homemadetools.net/forum/s...r-wrench-68792
http://www.homemadetools.net/forum/p...all-tool-68703
For setting the preload as mentioned in another thread and not shown since I didn't get a picture of the process. What you need to have is a torque wrench with a dial that reads in inch lbs. the factory specs for this diff were from 20 to 28 in.lb
while the ring gear to pinion gear backlash was to be .008 to .012"

Right in the range

Should be no problems with this rear end for the life of the pickup.