I was very productive this past weekend. Did an engine flush, changed my oil and sump pan gasket, replaced the front wheel hubs and did the front axle shaft seals. I decided to make a series of videos to help the next person who takes on this job. Im not an expert mechanic by any means, I learn as I go. But I hope this helps. By the way, I dropped the oil pan sump without removing any of the steering components or the cross member. I took Drowswaps advice and lifted the frame of the truck with a jack, then unbolted the pan and played with it a bit until i got it completely out of the truck. The bad news is I forgot to add RTV to the mating surface of the pan before adding the new gasket so i expect a bad oil leak to start any day now. Ill monitor my oil level and the pan for the first sign of a leak. Also was not able to get both of those rubber grommets back on the pan.... have no idea how that may effect my driving. I expect if water enters where the flywheel is, there will be an issue.


The Axle Shaft Seal:


Part 1:




Part 2:




Part 3:




Part 4:

 

Congrats! I'll admit that I didn't watch all of the videos but it looks like you got the hubs out without too much of a struggle so that's good. Too bad you forgot the rtv on the pan. It will likely start dripping on you but since the gasket just went in you can drop the pan again, add the rtv and reuse the gasket. You can probably get the rtv where it needs to go without having to totally remove the pan, just drop it enough to get to the gasket.

I had a bitch of a time getting those plugs back in on my pan as well. One was stuck in at an angle when I took it off so looks like the last guy struggled too. I eventually got them seated but it wasn't fun.

 

The plugs are to keep water and dirt out of the bell housing area. That would be where your flex plate and torque converter is. A fly wheel is on a manual transmission.

 

Nice job TRIARII. Good vids for others to follow. Worth a sticky IMO.

 

yes you will need to replace the rubber plugs, they are available from LR. you might want to just mach one up with a rubber freeze plug from the local auto parts store

 

Thanks all, could not have done it without you guys! Drow can you elaborate on those freeze plugs? One of the rubber grommets went in with some trouble, the other one WILL NOT GO IN! I spent nearly 40 minutes just trying to get that last one it and no luck. So I figured id take out the other one and switch them around and see if that made a difference but NOPE. Im still angry at how hard those things are to install.

So in order to add the RTV that means I have to drain the oil again correct? Doesnt the oil sit in the pan when the engine is cold? If so what a waste of good oil..... should I apply the RTV under or above the gasket? If the pan was back out id remove the gasket and apply the RTV on the mating surface but in the event I just unbolt the pan and lower it enough to apply the RTV, it will be much harder to apply underneath the gasket vs above it.

ArmyRover: could we make this a sticky? I worked my *** off to make those videos. I searched and searched all over youtube and other forums for video links that show you how to do the front axle shaft seals but there was nothing. The hubs were easy to do and I did not even need any special tools. I did order a 3 piece puller that I anticipated using to remove the wheel hubs but im still waiting for it to arrive in the mail and all you really need is a hammer.

 

Nice vids! They should be a sticky... very helpful!

 

very nice. Sticky Vote!!!

 

very good job, I'm sure the videos will come in handy to someone else. thank-you for taking the time to make them.

this might help you with the plugs they come in all sizes, you insert and simply snug the nut.
rubber freeze plug | eBay

you can find them in most auto parts stores, if not you will get dirt, sand and water in the bell housing and wipeout a seal.

you can get replacement plugs from LR, but there probably not $3.ea.

 

Thank you man. Regarding those rubber things, with all the issues I had getting just one of them back in, I cannot justify paying dirt for more of them! I doubt new LR seals will fit in any better than the old ones. I think ill go with the rubber plugs you linked. Do you know what size the holes are off the top of your head? I ended up trashing the other seal thing cause I was so mad that it would not go back in the hole.....

Ill order the freeze plugs come pay day ^^