Axle seal parts question

Just trying to get some conformation on the parts needed to replace the rear axle seal. I've tried contacting the dealer to get some answers, but all they say is there's one seal needed. I'm not so sure, from what I've gathered there is a o-ring and possibly another seal. Can someone tell me what is needed (inner / outer seal and o-ring?). My truck is a 2004 4wd w/ locker and ABS. thanks

 

Low range off road sells a kit with everything you need to do the seals and bearing on the rear axle. I just orderd it, I'm sure I could have found the parts a bit cheaper, but my time and mental sanity have a price. (my local Toyota dealer is full of idiots with marked up parts...)

 

You "can" replace just the seal. This only requires the seal and the o-ring. The o-ring is just one of those "why chance it, it's cheap" things. All the other stuff stays on the axle shaft/backing plate assembly when it is withdrawn from the housing.
Keep in mind, there is a pretty fair chance that all or some of the grease has been washed out of the axle bearing by the leaking oil. The bearing below lived with a leaking seal for quite a while (several years). Mechanically it's in good shape but the grease is completely washed away. The only thing that kept it alive was the leaking gear oil passing thru it. To change the bearing or not will be a judgement call when it is inspected. Many folks will not consider doing just the seal.



If the bearing needs to be replaced a fairly specialized pressing operation is in order. There are some special tools for this that are 99% required and the seal in an ABS rear can in itself can be very tricky to install correctly with an improvised seal driver.
It sounds like you have been doing your homework but here are a few quick links and there are a ton more on all the forums. http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1s...roper-way-press-new-rear-wheel-bearing-3.html


To set the record straight about parts needed, this is what you have from the inside towards the outside.

Inner seal, keeps the oil in the diff
A "retainer", a collar that the seal rides on
ABS "tone ring" or reluctor
Snap ring
One more identical retainer, used as a spacer more or less
The bearing
An outer seal, keeps crud from the outside world from getting in
Additionally, the o-ring seals the bearing case to the axle housing