Need help with my front diff oil seals (1 Viewer)

[Shiggy]

So I’m currently working on a more or less complete front end refresh on my LX. Got my old oil seal out, and started working on getting the new one in. I’m using the “IFS CV axle seal driver Special Service Tool” I got from cruiser patch but I’m still having trouble getting the seal to seat itself evenly.
The top is flush with the housing like I’d expect it to be, however going towards the bottom of the seal it’s not wanting to go in flush. Tried even using one of my pry bars but it still isn’t moving.
Any tips on getting it to fully seat all the way around the seal?

 

[menancyandsam]

Get this and it makes quick work of driving in the seal to the proper depth.

Toyota 4WD IFS CV axle seal driver Special Service Tool 09550-00032 re

Next batch expected June 6th 2025 Anodized in black and cut from 6061-T6 aluminum, these seal drivers are designed to last- beautifully finished with laser engraved details on the reverse side. When replacing Toyota 4WD IFS CV axle seals it is paramount to ensure they are set to the correct...

www.cruiserpatch.com

 

[Shiggy]

Get this and it makes quick work of driving in the seal to the proper depth.

Toyota 4WD IFS CV axle seal driver Special Service Tool 09550-00032 re

Next batch expected June 6th 2025 Anodized in black and cut from 6061-T6 aluminum, these seal drivers are designed to last- beautifully finished with laser engraved details on the reverse side. When replacing Toyota 4WD IFS CV axle seals it is paramount to ensure they are set to the correct...

www.cruiserpatch.com

Already have that. Using it still isn’t quite working, I know it should be flush with the housing it sits in but even having used the tool it’s uneven (flush at the top, proud by ~1/8” on the bottom) which I can’t imagine is right

 

[TahoeZ]

What did the surface look like before you put the new seal in? Clean and smooth?

 

[2001LC]

I see you didn't prep the area. I also see a hit mark, which could interfered with seat tool. Grind down/out witness mark and scrape the area flat, removing all rust and crud. So that seat tool fits as if going into a shiny new diff.

 

[Shiggy]

What did the surface look like before you put the new seal in? Clean and smooth?

Yep. The seal came directly out of the plastic bag, got lightly greased (per the chowcare video I watched) and as for the diff side same thing where I lightly wiped it off before installing

 

[Shiggy]

I see you didn't prep the area. I also see a hit mark, which could interfered with seat tool. Grind down/out witness mark and scrape the area flat, removing all rust and crud. So that seat tool fits as if going into a shiny new diff.
View attachment 3899348

That mark is on interior side of the seal, and I think just a bit of oil from my banging around. That said I’ll pull this one out and reclean the area and part before trying again.

 

[plainjanefjc]

Maybe some taps with a brass drift on the part sticking out?

 

[2001LC]

That mark is on interior side of the seal, and I think just a bit of oil from my banging around. That said I’ll pull this one out and reclean the area and part before trying again.

If like Witsend IFS seal tool. It would not fit flush, with that hit mark nor with crud.

You can also use any thing, even an oak stick. That fits on outer rim of seal and recess area of diff. So that you can level. Keep in mind, it must be level (squar)
My oak stick, served me well. But Joey's (Witsend) IFS seal tool is faster.

Tap tap tap, work in squarely. Do not drive one side in, more than other, as you work it in.

 

[Shiggy]

If like Witsend IFS seal tool. It would not fit flush, with that hit mark nor with crud.

You can also use any thing, even an oak stick. That fits on outer rim of seal and recess area of diff. So that you can level. Keep in mind, it must be level (squar)
My oak stick, served me well. But Joey's (Witsend) IFS seal tool is faster.

Tap tap tap, work in squarely. Do not drive one side in, more than other, as you work it in.
View attachment 3899456
View attachment 3899455

Sounds good! Thanks for the help.
Got it pulled and cleaned up the mating surface a bit more. Looking over the seal and the only (thankfully minor! marks on it are from trying to get it tapped in. Cleaned it up again with a shop towel wetted with some gear oil so I don’t leave any little things on it from the towels. Here’s the seal pulled out of the diff which, relatively minor hit marks aside, seems decent to me? If it leaks I’d be fine with re-replacing it if need be and count it a lesson in not being headstrong lol.