Help.....changing pinion seal

[2tone4by]

I need to change the seals out on front and rear pinions on my 78 chevy. I have the bed off, so getting to the rear is easy.....question, is it ok to just mark where the nut that holds the yoke on is located, then remove it and replace the seals, then torque the nut back to the original mark I made? You guys think this will work ok?

[pholliday1]

We need to know what differentials are in your truck, some have a crush sleeve for bearing preload others use a shim pack. Changing a pinion seal "CORRECTLY" can be very involved and many a differentials have been ruined by a pinion nut not properly torqued. We can help you through the process just need some more info.

[2tone4by]

It is a 4wheel drive......the rear cover has 12 bolts and the front differential cover has 10. I don't see any markings....am I overlooking something?

[VileZambonie]

I need to change the seals out on front and rear pinions on my 78 chevy. I have the bed off, so getting to the rear is easy.....question, is it ok to just mark where the nut that holds the yoke on is located, then remove it and replace the seals, then torque the nut back to the original mark I made? You guys think this will work ok?

Mark the nut, the yoke and the pinion shaft

[2tone4by]

is it ok to do this with the wheels on the ground, as I have the bed off? thanks for the help....

[VileZambonie]

Yes

[86silver]

You will be just fine with your plan of attack.

[Captkaos]

I just did this on my 10bolt.  Pics are at the link below.  I used a chisel to mark the nut, the pinion and the yoke and then some marker paint

http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=12120.msg230764#msg230764