Front Diff Leak?

[TXAGG05]

2002 1500 X-cab, Z71

I noticed while I was under my truck today, that my cv joints have slung grease/diff oil in a circle around where they meet the axle tubes(or the diff on the driver's side). Is is a safe bet that I have a front axle leak on both sides? How difficult is the teardown, could I remove my front diff, cv axles, and driveshaft and still be able to drive the truck without them?
Perhaps I'm jumping to conclusions. Any help?

Thanks,
Jeb

[amac209]

why not fix it? get a haynes manual and it will tell you everything you need to know. whatever you do do not remove the di and cv axles. if you do the wheel bearings will fall apart

[TXAGG05]

I'm wondering if I have to remove the ring and pinion, cause if I do then it's beyond my ability. Also, how would I change the seals without removing the cv joints from the diff/axle housing?
I'll try to buy a book this weekend.

[mjgjr72]

you don't have to pull the ring and pinion, unbolt the cv axles fron the axle flang on the diff, the drivers side you can use a slide hammer and pop out the output flange and pull the seal out and replace it, the passenger side you have to remove the diff assembly, well you don't have to but its 10x easier if you do, you have to split the diff housing from the output shaft housing ,there is a bunch of part inbetween you have to remove so you can tap the output shaft out of the housing with a lead or brass hammer to get at the seal, get a manual if you are going to try the pass side

[TXAGG05]

Thanks for the help, I finally bought a Chilton manual and it describes the process pretty well.
Now I just need a slide hammer and full free Saturday. Maybe next weekend.
Oh,..one more question: It says to remove the bearing, then is says put the bearing in. I assume you would put a new one in?
Thanks,
Jeb