1974 CJ5 rear axle question

[1974cj5]

Hey guys, I have been reading these tech questions and answers from you guys for awhile now, and I sure have learned a lot from all of you guys!

I am reworking a 74 CJ5 (my first Jeep) and I have a question about the rear axle ( Chilton says 8 7/8" ring gear or Dana 44 ?). My Chilton manual says that if it has an inner seal on the axles, that the bearing is lubricated by chasis grease, not differential oil. Must pack bearing and replace both seals.
I first pulled the drivers side apart, the bearing was packed with grease and had inner and outer seals. This side appeared to have been taken apart by a PO.
I then pulled the passenger side apart. This side appears that it had not been apart before ( had to remove plug in axle flange to get to bolts). This side also had inner and outer axle seals, but no grease on bearing, it had 90wt oil on bearing. There was not much oil between seals ( did not run out ), but it appeared to be lubricated with diff oil instead of grease!
Wich side is correct, and if it is the passenger side, how does the oil get to bearing with inner seal in place?

Please help!
Thanks for all of your great input and knowledge.

Read more: http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f7/1974-cj5-rear-axle-question-11821/#ixzz1fJgMaEEJ
​

 

[Sasquach]

Bad seal.
I will go out on a limb when I say this but no Jeep rear axles ever lubed the wheel bearings with gear oil. always grease, the theory of it is good until the outer seal goes and oils your brakes. Some/most of the rear axles will have the seal just outside the differential bearings and no oil in the tube.

 

[Sasquach]

I will add that my early Dana 44 tapered shaft has the inner and outer seals and a grease fitting threaded in the tube right at the bearing area.

 

[73CJ]

You have a Dana 44 in the rear.

The factory manual says to pack the seal and bearing with grease.

From the pictures it looks like you are due for new grease.

You should probably replace all seals and bearings.

 

[1974cj5]

Thanks for all the great input guys.
My rear end has the inner seals just about 2 inches inside of the outer axle bearing. should I pack the entire cavity with grease when I reassemble? Would it be a good idea to add a grease zerk to the cavity area?

Thanks again

 

[Sasquach]

The important part is to properly pack the bearing, grease around the outside of the bearing or filling the cavity will do nothing to lubricate them.
I say no to adding a zirc fitting.