Ed,
Thanks. I got emails from a few people that at least make me understand that
installing these seals is a learned skill. After looking at the seal in the
light of day. I was working on the truck fairly late (fun but prone to
mistakes) I realized the seal driver I chose actually made the seal slightly
concave. It was just slightly smaller than the seal. Maybe I was hitting it
too hard. I wasn't very careful about getting it started square, which as
you say bends the seal. I was able to get a new set from my local NAPA store
and most places could get me the seal in a day or so. The numbers for the
seal which fit most 1/2 ton trucks up to 1962 (mine is a 1955 1st series
rear end) was Chicago Rawhide 18695 or Timken 414045. I love finding these
numbers so I can get more from my local stores on small items like this. The
Timken seal is expensive. Napa lists these for $22.00. But the counter guy
gave then to me at dealer pricing, so they were $16.00 a piece. As you say
expensive learning curve.
I have had a couple suggestions to keep the spring in place like packing the
back of the seal with grease, and one counter guy at NAPA suggested putting
a little silicone on the back of the seal to hold the spring on. Any
thoughts on these techniques?
Thanks to those that replied.
Bill
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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