During restoring my truck I stripped cleaned and reassembled the rear end, including removing and destroying in the process, the leather oil seals. I got the SKF replacements. (Chicago Rawhide/SKF 31870) In about 1000 miles these appear to have worn an almost invisible score on the axle housing, and started leaking. Thanks to the catch cups the new brake shoes and skimmed drums were not touched.
Has anyone had a similar experience? Where can I find original leather seals? The housing was in very good order, as were the leather seals- pity. You live and learn.
I may be on to a 3 3/16 speedi-sleeve- not a common size. 81mm is , nicely, .0015 bigger, but hard to find. I may be on to some, yet to confirm. If I sort it I will submit a tech tip.
