1971 cj5 dana 44 rear axle removal

I did an overhaul of my rear dana 44. All I had left to do is put the axles back in the tubes. I started with the short axle. I tightened the 6 bolts on the flat metal part that pushes against the seal. After all the bolts were tight it looked like the seal was about a 1/16" above the flush part of the axle housing. Is this the way it is supposed to be. Or should the seal be flush and not sticking up a little???? Both sides are tight and look the same. Please let me know if this is the way it is supposed to be.

Julius

 

Outer seal should sit flush with the backing plate when pushed in by bearing retainer.

 

After checking to make sure the bearing, retainer ring and race were pressed on the axle shaft all the way down on the shoulder I reassembled the axles in the housing. Still the seals hold the plate with the six holes that bolt onto the housing. The only thing that is different from original bearings is the bearings I took out were Timiken and the ones I put back into it were CARQUEST BCA bearings. Could that be the problem?


Julius

 

I don't think you have a problem with the seal protruding at 1/16".
When you tighten it all up, the retainer is going to put pressure on the seal and the seal will expand/squish.

 

I finally figured it out. I did not have the backing plate on. The thickness of the backing plate is what was sticking up. I am converting it to R&P 4wd disc brakes and a spacer comes with the kit to replace the thickness of the backing plate. So if I am correct it should be axle housing, backing plate and last the metal retaining flange that is round except for a flat spot on it and then put the 6 bolts and nuts to hold it all together Right?

Julius