ECGS Front diff bushing questions/concerns

Recently on me 97 I noticed front diff leaking gear oil front both cv axle seals. Long story short gathers all parts including the east coast gear supply bushing to do away with the roller bearing and I even installed a new OE bearing on the passenger side. So new bushing/bearing and 2 new OE seals. Used 4x4 for the first time the other day and noticed once again gear oil dripping from the seals again and I can move both axles in the diff a decent amount which is why the seals keep leaking. (This happened before I did the bearing/bushing too, This is why I did them with the seals.) Seals are 100% installed correctly and the spring on the seal lip is there and not damage I rechecked all this. My question is could it be something with the CV axles? Should I pull them again and measure the seal surface on the shaft? I didn't notice and grooving or anything on the shaft. Maybe previous owner installed aftermarket shafts and the are to small in diameter for the seals? I bought the truck a year ago and its been leaking since I just got around to fixing it. I do not use 4x4 often and it has manual hubs so if its not locked in the shafts aren't spinning. Anyone have any input on this or even maybe the measurements on the shafts so I can rule that out?

Thanks!

 

There is a vent for the front differential. If the vent is plugged up, it will allow pressure to build in the front differential and force the fluid out the seals.

Have you checked the vent?

 

I have not but I for sure will this weekend. What about the play in the shafts though?

 

There will be and should be some play. Differential fluid has to get between the shaft and beach/bushing to lubricate it. Some play is normal.

 

Good to know, Ill try and get a video of it this weekend I am going to pull the front diff and trans out over the weekend to do some other work. Thanks for the input.

 

OP,
The front clamshell diff. on my 3" lifted '97 V6 Taco 4X4 Xcab 5 speed with manual hubs was doing much the same, so I did an exchange with ECGS. After some discussion with Chase at ECGS, they also installed a Spartan auto locker and their CV axle bushing in the new diff.. 2 years in now with no runs/no drips/no errors with OEM CV axles. Good advice above about checking the vents on the diffs./tranny because they get plugged with any amount of wheeling thru mud and there is some play in the CVs. The vents on my front diff./tranny are extended up near the brake master cylinder so they stay relatively clean and free from water intrusion. After 25 years/135K miles of wheeling in deep mud/high water, my original front diff. just had too much play in it for the seals to do their job. I also wore the R150F 5 speed out, so had Marlin rebuild it. Best of luck with your '97 Taco!

 

That's some good info! Mine '97 has 398k on her and still running strong other than some leaks I'm getting sorted this weekend. (oil pan, rear main, and valve cover.) Just trying to get my diff issue sorted while I have it out doing the oil pan! I also have small lift I'm guessing probably a 3 inch but it was on it when i bought her so I'm not 100 on that. Has body lift too which I'm not a fan of but oh well.

 

I have had to do all that MTX and more to my 3.4L Taco myself. How goes it? On the rear main seal, just pull the OEM seal, replace it, and seal in place with something akin to UltraBlack and you should be fine. If you have time, check your valve lash while you have the covers off to assure best breathing.

 

I never got around to what i wanted to do this past weekend, We actually lost power Saturday morning so that was fun. I plan on checking valve lash and adjusting if needed while I'm in there!