Rear axle seal question....

[Tools R Us]

And does running them in oil make any difference to the torque on the bearing preload? What do I set the lock nut at?

There is some debate on that, I torque then to 35ft/lb.

 

[Tools R Us]

I was thinking about using an engine assembly lube. Would provide the lubrication for initial use but it's designed to fully dissolve in the oil once everything gets where it needs to be. Regular wheel bearing grease usually turns to sludge when mixed with oil. Thoughts?

I just put a little oil on them, just to lube while turning to set the preload.

 

[BILT4ME]

I was thinking about using an engine assembly lube. Would provide the lubrication for initial use but it's designed to fully dissolve in the oil once everything gets where it needs to be. Regular wheel bearing grease usually turns to sludge when mixed with oil. Thoughts?

No, regular wheel bearing grease will.liquefy as well, as long as it is compatible with the gear oil.

Be wary of using synthetic oil and possibly having an incompatible grease.

Check the charts for compatibility.

 

[artech]

Well she's back together after replacing the inner shields, bearings, and outer seals. I deleted the inner seals and filled the diff while it was sitting with the long side downhill so I got about 5 quarts into the axle. My axle breathers are extended to the firewall so not anticipating the overfill to be an issue. It sat 30 minutes tilted each way to fill the hubs and the first drive went just fine with no leaks, drag, sounds, or other unpleasantness. I guess time will tell how it holds up. Thanks for all the help!