I've read the bunch of posts on here about replacing the rear pinion seal, but this is my first one and I'm still kinda confused on the whole process. I've read the service manual directions and it appears I need 17 "J" tools.

Currently I'm leaking pretty good, around presumably the seal, and need to fix this bugger. Can I get a basic set of directions on what I need and how to do it?? You guys have been spectacular in the past on helping out first timers. Thanks!! :beers:

PS Have a Napa 15041 seal now.

If it is leaking bad then you probably have another problem besides a bad seal. You need to check the pinion bearings too. I'll try to get the instructions later.

What are you working on? Could be seal, could be bearing gone and making seal leak or even have a grove in the pinion yoke. Whacagot?

I'm interested in this thread too...my old truck has developed a leak. First, the rear cover was all that was leaking so I pulled it off and fixed that. Filled it with new oil, and now the pinion seal is leaking...very slowly. I was thinking about pulling it out and replacing it...what does the nut torque to?

Here is one that should help. I think everything is covered in it.
http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=114418&highlight=pinion+seal

Use some RTV or other casket sealant around the outside of the seal and drive it in evenly,

You have a second career you haven't mentioned to us yet Freddie? :D

You have a second career you haven't mentioned to us yet Freddie? :D

BTW Freddie - hows the book coming along?

My spelling needs some work. :confused: The book is dead for now. Maybe I can start it again later.

Hey guys, thanks for the replies. It originally had a very slow leak from the cover, so I replaced the cover gasket and filled with gear oil to bottom of fill hole. Now I get a slow leak from the pinion seal, so thinking the oil level was low before.

I think this stems from my driveshaft being too short. I have a TH350 in there but the guy that had it before me had a TH400 in there, and as I understand it, he left in the shorter driveshaft. So I think my driveshaft is about an inch or so too short. Get a noticeable amount of vibration at high speed. So need to lengthen.

Both the pinion seal and rear seal on the tranny are leaking. Think I need to take a look at the bearings on either end too?? How much play should I be seeing?

:beers:

PS The link above is good. Did not see that thread. Thanks!!

No doubt it was caused by the driveshaft vibration if it is as bad as you say.

I'd say at best you're looking at a new pinion bearing, extension housing bushing, seals, and a new driveshaft. Lengthening a driveshaft is usually a bad idea. It's usually just as expensive to replace it, or find a used one to cut down.

The way you "lengthen" a driveshaft is to cut the ends off it and weld them to a new longer tube. If you're dealing with a local shop, it's probably not much more expensive than getting one shortened.