97 Blazer Front Differential seals replaced

[N8SBlaze]

I just wanted to post back and say thanks to MT-2500 for encouraging me to replace the front differential seals myself on my 97 blazer. I had previously started this post(http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...t+differential) a month or so ago. I did the job about a week ago. It went pretty smooth for the most part. I was able to accumulate several resources to aid me in the job which included a set of factory service manuals that I purchased used from a dealership that was getting rid of their library since everything is on computer( I got the manuals for only $10 a piece!) I borrowed the ball joint and tie rod pickle forks from Autozone. Unfortunaltly they did not have the size axle nut socket that I needed as a loaner so I had to buy one for $16. While I was at it I decided to buy all new upper and lower ball joints for both sides of the vehicle for about $26 a piece. I purchased the front differential seals from a dealership for about $10 a piece since none of the auto parts stores carried them.
I also used this thread to get me to the point of getting the wheel hub removed. http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=545573
I must have beat on the drivers side upper ball joint for an hour to get it seperated, but thankfully the passengers side came apart much easier.


Once the wheel hub was removed I used a block of wood and mallet to tap out the axle shaft from the front differential



Sorry I had planned on taking more pictures but once the axle shaft was out I got preoccupied and forgot about it.

I then used a seal puller that I purchased from from AZ for $7 to remove the front differential seal. I do not think I could have gotten that seal out with any thing else, it was in there tight.



I installed the new seal into the front differential with a mallet and a block of wood. (This pic is just a visual demonstration on my work bench)




Then I replaced the upper and lower ball joints.



Then I reinstalled the axle shaft, hub assembly, steering knuckle balls joints assembly. Torqued everything to spec. Drained and refilled the gear lube on the front differential. Greased the new balls joints, installed the brake rotor, caliper, and rim and tire. And then I did the passengers side.

The passenger side was mostly the same except I had to disconnect the lower mount of the shock absorber to have enough room to slide the axle shaft out.

All in all the whole thing took me about 6 hours to complete. My motto is "I may not be good but I'm slow" I was originally quoted almost $500 to have a shop replace the front differential seals, and I am sure ball joint replacements would have been several hundred dollars. I spent around $140 in parts and probably saved easily $500 in labor cost. Thanks again to MT-2500 and the countless others that contribute to this quality forum.