Hello, I have two explorers a 96 and 97 both needing a rear axle seal replacement, What is the preferred or proper procedure in doing this. I have not disassembled this unit before. It is a 8.8 rear end.

 

https://www.f150online.com/forums/ar...lots-pics.html

this is the procedure i used. it's all basically the same.

 

chiefFX4,

Is the axle seal leaking on the 04-08 F-150's a common problem.Only reason i ask is my brother just bought a 05 F-150 XLT 4X4 Supercrew 5.4 and it looks like it has a axle seal leak on the passenger side.

Thanks Mark.

 

the axle seal leak is fairly common amongst all 97-up f150s.

if it is a small leak, let it ride unless it's just bugging you. as long as the seal doesn't completely let go you'll be able to ride on it for quite some time. check the gear oil every oil change and make sure the leak doesn't get worse.

it is always a good idea to change the seal whenever you get the time though. i rode on mine for a little over a year and it went on me 20 miles from home. i limped it home but ended up having to replace an axle. my axle tube still isn't right either.

 

It looked like it was leaking pretty good,thought it was a brake line at first but the lines were dry and it was really wet by the axle flange.He took it back to the dealership today they're going to fix it.

Thanks Mark.