The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Differential fluid leaking???

Bought a '97 Blazer rearend to put in my '37. Had new axles, axle brgs and wheel seals installed at the recommendation of a local axle shop. There was not a hint of oil leaking from the front seal. Put new diff grease in it and stored it for the winter with the pinion shaft horizontal. No leakage at all. This Spring I inadvertently dislodged the support that leveled the pinion shaft and within a week there was a big puddle of oil on the floor. Question.. is there an oil tite seal on the pinion shaft or just a felt seal and slinger to keep oil in the diff?? Thanks in advance for some enlightenment.

On my 1 Ton, which has a 71 3/4 Ton pumpkin, the seal holds in fluid that is above the bottom of the seal. I would find it hard to believe that a 97 didn't do at least as good a job as a 71. I am pretty sure the seal would be neoprene. If the shaft has a groove worn in it, it would most likely drip.

It has a rubber type seal. They are not hard to replace. Also the grease can leak out between the splines. If you have the yoke off put some RTV on the splines & washer behind the nut.