Front axle seals? BJ74

[_Walker_]

So my front diff fluid keeps on turning s***ty grey after each oil change, Im under the impression this is grease leaking in from the hubs (correct?)
If I set out to remedy this problem what components should I gather together before undergoing this little task?
Better to take it to a shop or should it be something that can be done in the back yard?

 

[cruiser_guy]

It'll be the same as the BJ60 and any other disc model 'Cruiser up to 1989. Get the Marlin seals, they are supposed to last much longer.

If you don't mind getting greasy it's no difficult job. Search in the '60 and '40 forum for tons of info.

 

[Gold Boy]

i have the same problem....

does the grease contamination do any harm mixed in with diff oil....... as both are oil based?

water can leak in by the same route as the grease?

 

[Haggs]

https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/78276-front-axle-rebuild-faq.html

I am pretty much a when it comes to anything mechanical and I followed the steps in the above post and got through it ok. It is basically a weekend job and very messy.

 

[M John Galt]

i have the same problem....
does the grease contamination do any harm mixed in with diff oil....... as both are oil based?
water can leak in by the same route as the grease?

Same 'problem' on my truck at 100k km. I just keep the diff full and don't worry about it. If I was regularly fording deep water then I might be concerned. Diff oil is cheap compared with ~$1000 that most shops will charge for a complete front end job.

 

[_Walker_]

It'll be the same as the BJ60 and any other disc model 'Cruiser up to 1989. Get the Marlin seals, they are supposed to last much longer.

If you don't mind getting greasy it's no difficult job. Search in the '60 and '40 forum for tons of info.

Awesome! Thanks Guy! now if my 74 is an 1989 that means the front diff is totally identical to a 60 series of that year? I can use the same parts and the same shop manuals and get the same result?


Anything else that it would be good to replace or upgrade while the whole thing is in pieces?

 

[cruiser_guy]

Awesome! Thanks Guy! now if my 74 is an 1989 that means the front diff is totally identical to a 60 series of that year? I can use the same parts and the same shop manuals and get the same result?

If I'm not mistaken the kit is the SAME for ANY disc brake 'Cruiser all the way to the '80 series and it includes solid axle mini trucks! Of course axle shaft lengths vary but all seals and gaskets etc are IDENTICAL!

 

[Ron R]

Awesome! Thanks Guy! now if my 74 is an 1989 that means the front diff is totally identical to a 60 series of that year? I can use the same parts and the same shop manuals and get the same result?


Anything else that it would be good to replace or upgrade while the whole thing is in pieces?

If not contained in the kit, you might consider replacing the wheelbearings as well, now that everything is dismantled.
At least clean them thoroughly an repack them with good quality bearing grease.