Dana 18 Seal 473229

Okay, I'm working on the rebuild of my dana 18. What should I use for the front and rear yoke seals? Should I go with the stock single lipped seal that came in my rebuild kit from Herm, or should I use the double lipped National seal part # 473229? The national seal is not as tall as the stock seal and I've read that some people space is forward. Is that necesary? Both my yokes are in good shape with no groves. I figure 2 lips on a seal has to be better than one? what are the drawbacks, if any, to using the double lip National seal?
For those of you who used the National seal, did you shim it up or did you just seat it as you would with the stock seal?

 

I used the double lip seal and shimed to fit.

Chip.

 

Hey Chip, what did you shim it with? in the article i read, the guy shimmed the seals with old snap rings. i don't know if thats a good idea. i could see the snap ring working itself loose and scratching up the mating surface on the yoke. i'd be inclined to specially machine a large washer to use as a shim. what did you use? do you see any drawbacks to not shimming the seal?

 

I used the double lipped, and I only used a small piece of gasket material with some aviation sealer behind it. (My yoke had some grooves, so moving the seal back was an advantage for me...) Got a couple hunnerd miles on it and no leaks to be seen.

FWIW, if you use a snap ring the same diameter as the seal, you won't have to worry about it shifting around.

Oh, and use some RTV on the splines and under the yoke nut/washer.

HTH

 

I machined some washers to take up the space, I machined three sets incase someone could use a set. I would be glad to send you a set if you would like them. I dont see any issue with installing them lower however my shaft wasnt that smooth in that area.

If you would like me to send the washers just send me your address and I will put them in the mail.

Chip.

 

Chip, I sent you a PM.