Front diff leaking at cv axles

I have a 2007 4x4 sr5 I bought recently, I believe it may have sat for a little while. I have gear oil leaking from the front diff at the axles making me think it was just seals. Somebody said because there is quite a bit of play it may be something internal. Not sure if I replace cv seals and give her a go first or just have it investigated further to see if it may be needle bearing or something else ... ( No noises)

 

Little play is normal.

Replace cv axle seals.

Call it a day.

 

Is it dripping or just a little wet? How's your fluid level?
If/when you replace your seals, note how deep the old ones are before you pull them.
If I'm remembering correctly, you don't want to 'seat' the seals all the way home. Others who know better than I should be jumping in shortly.

 

ECGS makes a bushing to replace the roller/needle bearing around the drivers side CV in the front diff (only drivers side) so that always has a ton more play than pass side that uses a larger axle type bearing. So google the company and you will see the whole story and cost. Many posts on this. Get OEM seals or ECGS will sell you them and they have a bearing removal tool, a seal puller tool, and an install tool for seal and bushing and many have them on TW and will lend them out.

 

If it’s both sides leaking, you might check the front differential breather.
If it’s plugged up, it can cause leaks at the seals.

Unless you are lifted or your truck is having vibration issues due to the needle bearing, I would just put seals in it. No real reason to do the bushing.

The drivers side has 2x-3x more free play than the passenger side on the factory bearing.
With the bushing, it cuts it down to about 1/2 that.

Again, unless you are lifted, plan to lift, or have vibration issues, Throw seals in it and call it a day.