Needle bearing replacement -- alignment?

I am about to tackle the needle bearing replacement and was curious if an alignment was needed after. I am assuming yes since the whole axle is coming out, but maybe I'm wrong?

also, do I just need to top it off with gear oil when I am done? or is it not losing enough to worry about when I pull the axle?

Thanks!

 

No. just make sure you top off your front diff fluid again

 

Mark your cams

 

Yup, that's all you need to do is mark the cams. You don't touch the toe setting so that stays spot on so as long as the front and back cams go back to their original setting you should be on the money. top off oil and good to go.

 

OK. last 2 questions. Anyone have an issue where the bearing slides in all nice and easy, and then stops with an 1/8 of in inch just sticking out? I know it's supposed to be flush with the inside metal ring but I can't seem to get it there. not enough muscle?

and I am replacing the seal, I popped out the old one, how does one install the new one without damage?

side note, I tried for about an hour and a half to get the ECGS tool in there and lined up but couldn't come close. had to grind the back sides to a slight bevel to get it to work. wondering if some tools are just made a little bit too big.

 

I had a HF seal install kit laying around and it worked perfect to tap in the bushing.



I also made my own tool. I had to do a lot of flap wheeling to get it to fit. I stuffed a paper towel in to keep from loosing it.

 

It’s not easy, just watch the videos. You have to “snap” the rectangle piece in there, you’ll most mess up the needle bearing doing it, but you’re pulling it out.

Be sure to put a plastic grocery bag or similar in the diff so you don’t lose any parts, or you’ll have to fish it out the end of the tool through the drain hole like I did. Not fun.

 

I am making my own puller tool, could you tell me how thick the piece is, that goes into the carrier?
Thanks!