81 Pinion Seal Question

[HammerDown]

The OE seal that came out was quite solid, heavy and beefy...looks like the 'Timken Seal' Summit is selling here > http://www.summitracing.com/parts/tmk-5778v/overview/


Today I looked at a SKF Pinion Seal below and it was wimpy looking...I always though CR/SKF were good seals?
http://www.skfextranet.com/Catalogs/457010/sealdetail.asp?s=15791

Edit...actually those two seals look the same just different color. But, in hand the SKF felt cheap.

 

[Peer81]

If you don't like the way it feels or something else that is bothering you just buy the other one. It's not that the price is to high.

Greetings Peter

 

[HammerDown]

If you don't like the way it feels or something else that is bothering you just buy the other one. It's not that the price is to high.

Greetings Peter

I haven't been able to find a HD seal like the one GM installed. The SKF is only $15.00 (from Nappa) but again it feels cheap and uses thin metal.
My local Auto Zone said they have a Timken for $39.00 I'll have to go check it out.

 

[Peer81]

I bought the cheaper plastic speedo to insert into the transmission. Nothing but trouble, leaking etc etc so then I bought the metal more expensive one and from that moment trouble free. If I hadn't been such a cheap ass and would have bought the metal one in the first place that would have saved me time and money!
This advice can be used for more problems.

Greetings Peter

 

[HammerDown]

Like I mentioned prior...I always thought CR/SKF were really quality or oe equivlant. I was shocked to see the questionable SKF seal. Unless they offer a cheep version and I'm not locating the better one?

 

[HammerDown]

I spent waaaaay too much time driving around comparing 'pinion seals'.

The $39.00 Timken seal (made by National) was no different than the $11.00 seals made by CR/SKF

However...the beefy OE seal (faintly stamped) was made by 'National'
The one I got, National ($11.00) is nothing special...but is CLEARLY marked..."Made In USA" where as the others were not.

 

[Peer81]

Alright. So you weren't happy with the replacement. Now you looked at all the other options and have come to the conclusion all the aftermarked seals are the same quality. I see no problem in the fact the good research takes his time! Now you're ready to pick one and start assembly! up:

Greetings Peter

 

[HammerDown]

Alright. So you weren't happy with the replacement. Now you looked at all the other options and have come to the conclusion all the aftermarked seals are the same quality. I see no problem in the fact the good research takes his time! Now you're ready to pick one and start assembly! up:

Greetings Peter

Waiting on the Stub Axles...should be in this Friday.
BTW, the SKF seals for the Yokes I just purchased look real nice!
But the 80-81 pinion seal's a redheaded stepchild lol

 

[TimAT]

Here is an install tip ----- for any type of oil seal.

Before you drive the seal into place pack the rear cavity of the seal with grease. If you look at the rear of the seals, you can see a small spring around the rubber part of the center. That spring is what holds the lip of the seal in contact with the shaft. Sometimes the shock of driving the new seal in, even with the correct size drive, can dislodge the spring. Packing that rear cavity helps absorb the shock and keeps the spring in place.

Type of grease really makes no difference as long as it's not a fiber containing grease. Wheel bearing grease, Vaseline or what ever you have.

I would strongly advise against using the Vaseline that's in the wife's stash of stuff unless you plan to replace it with a new supply that very day. Do NOT, under any circumstances take it, use a little, and put it back. Trust me, it's not worth it.