Marlin Crawler vs OEM axle seal contact point (1 Viewer)

[Matmal]

Hi all, I am in the final stages of a complete front axle rebuild.

The inner axle seals I pulled out were Marlin Crawler seals, and as many if not all of you know they don't work well in the 80.

My drivers side axle looks fine, the passenger side axle had a small/smooth groove in it. I am quite certain the MC seal caused this groove as they are also known for that.

At the time I did not think the groove was deep enough to cause a problem with my new OEM seals, I put it back in, using OEM axle seals. I have it packed with grease and the spindle installed.

I am now 2nd guessing the groove in the pass side axle.... I don't have a pic of it which sucks..

But my question, and really the only question, is can anyone confirm 100% that the Marlin Crawler seal sits on a different spot on the axle than an OEM Toyo seal?

Looking at them, although the MC lip means it doesn't drive in as far, it is a deeper seal so its contact point is further toward the diff which to me looks like it would be VERY close to the OEM seals contact point.

My OEM seals are driven in as deep as they will go (little past the lip of the knuckle).

TIA!

 

[Jason hansen]

Trail gear has some offset axle seals. I used them on my grooved axles.

 

[nukegoat]

Speedisleeve or whatever theyre called?

 

[Jason hansen]

I have never used a speed sleeve. Maybe that’s the way to go.

 

[inkpot]

Many of us overdrive or underdrive new OEM seals to place them on fresh areas of the axle that are grooved from 20+ years of the original OEM seals in the OEM location. I have heard complaints that the Marlin seals fail much sooner than OEM but I have never heard that they are more likely than OEM to cause damage to the sealing surface of the axle!o

 

[NLXTACY]

It’s why these are doing so well. Just install the OEM seal over a new spot on the axle shaft journal.

80 Series Inner Axle Seal Offset Driver

 

[NLXTACY]

FWIW I’ve never heard of the Marlin seals causing grooves. Only leaking very prematurely...such as on my own truck. Grr

 

[Matmal]

Trail gear has some offset axle seals. I used them on my grooved axles.

Speedisleeve or whatever theyre called?

Both are definitely good options. If I had a Speedi Sleeve I would probably pull the axle again and install it.

Its just, I have been working on this for months off and on, and really REALLY want to get it done this weekend...

I am having a hard time trying to decide how mad at myself I will be if the axle seal leaks. Now is easier to pull it, but its not like its a BIG deal to pull and redo a seal IF I even need to...

My thoughts are that the OEM seal will not ride in the groove... I just can't be sure..

Also, I read people had issues with Speedi Sleeves too... I feel like if I DID pull my axle again, I would dismantle it and put in a new shaft from the dealer... meaning i would have to clean all the grease out of it again and it just never seems to end!!

 

[Matmal]

It’s why these are doing so well. Just install the OEM seal over a new spot on the axle shaft journal.

80 Series Inner Axle Seal Offset Driver

I used a piece of PVC coupling that was smaller than the axle housing so I was able to drive my seal in past the lip the 2mm until it hits the backing.

so, it is not flush, it is now over driven.

My issue with that, is i think under driving it would have actually been better compared to the MC seal, because of how deep the MC seal is....

I just really don't want to pull it again! and like I say, I just can't be sure where the MC seal hits vs the OEM....

 

[Matmal]

FWIW I’ve never heard of the Marlin seals causing grooves. Only leaking very prematurely...such as on my own truck. Grr

Ya, I only found 1 or 2 people commenting on it... but it does make sense if the rubber is firmer, and in my case dirt and metal shavings are all over the seal.....

 

[Matmal]

I am realizing I have to pull the shaft again and at least look at the groove...

I will post pics soon, maybe I will call the dealer and see when I could get a new shaft in stock....

having a rebuilt diff and all this work only to lose it to another leaking seal is just too risky.

 

[Matmal]

So I bought a new Toyota seal, pulled my axle and ripped out the new seal I had just installed.

As you can see from the pic, although the groove isn't as bad as I remembered it being, it is there...

I under drove the new seal. I figure the groove was either caused by factory installed seal which I assume would have been fully driven in, or the marlin crawler seal which sits further in.

 

[-Spike-]

As Crocodile Dundee would say 'Aht's nawt a gruuve'.

Better safe than sorry though.