Advice requested: axles and regearing

[bonecollector]

Background: 99XJ, front axle is Dana 30 with aussie locker, 35x12.50 KM2s. I broke the drivers side front axle (sheared off ears at u-joint). Lockers installed in April of this year with new inner seals installed. I did drive it home afterwards (had to 3-wheel lightly to get to the street) and drove about 15 miles on highway).

I ordered new chromolly axles with upgraded u-joints http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-159906-nitro-dana-30-chromoly-axle-shaft-kit.html

My original plan was to install the new axles and hope my inner seals are ok. Then I was thinking about how I would eventually like to regear to 4.56 or 4.88s.

Would it be better to take the axles to a shop and regear at the same time (replacing the inner seals if needed)? I don't want to spend a fortune. Or I could install the axles myself, then if I see it leaking it must be the inner seals then evaluate if I want to regear while I am replacing seals.

Just wanted to get some insight from those who have done this before.

[toreadorranger]

Replacing inner seals is pretty straight forward.  Just have to pull the carrier,  Which might seem scary but there is no setup of gears or anything with just pulling the carrier, just plop out the carrier and then replace the seals and plop the carrier back in. 

[Mr Rock]

Replacing inner seals is pretty straight forward.  Just have to pull the carrier,  Which might seem scary but there is no setup of gears or anything with just pulling the carrier, just plop out the carrier and then replace the seals and plop the carrier back in. 

What he said!

put the new shafts in first the seals may still be good...

[bonecollector]

You guys talked me into it! Going for the axle sway and inner seal *inspection* HAHA. Ordered some new seals just in case. Wish me luck! Axles will arrive tomorrow.

[Big Chuck]

Brent, This is a straight forward easy swap, you shouldn't have any problems. If I was going to be around this weekend I could lend a hand, but alas, I will be in Philly!
Chuck

[Mr Rock]

You guys talked me into it! Going for the axle sway and inner seal *inspection* HAHA. Ordered some new seals just in case. Wish me luck! Axles will arrive tomorrow.

Just be careful inserting the new shafts, you have to "feel" the shaft into the seal. don't just slide it in, once you're past the seal a little turn to align the splines and it will finish sliding in, you should be fine.

[bonecollector]

Old axles are out! I decided to do ball joints and unit bearing while everything was apart. Does any one have a ball joint press I could borrow?

I missed the event yesterday (9/12). Many thanks to Magnun Opus for offering me a ride-a-long. I hope to get my new wheels/tires and have everything buttoned up for the 27th.

[98xj]

Last resort you can rent one from the auto part store, and the best is that you get all the money back when you return it!

[bonecollector]

Last resort you can rent one from the auto part store, and the best is that you get all the money back when you return it!

@98XJ awesome idea! Went to advanced auto yesterday and used their loaner tool. New axle u-joints are installed!

[toreadorranger]

Good to hear you got them installed, I didn't get your IM till this morning. 

[98xj]

I can be helpful on occasion... Lol

[bonecollector]

New axles are in.... also did ball joints, wheel bearings, inner and outer seals. New waiting for the tires to show up...

[98xj]

Pics or it didn't happen 

[bonecollector]

Photos attached

[bonecollector]

Photos attached