Dana 44 Pinion Seal Help

so my new project is a 59 3B, i picked up 2 rebuilt axles for it, when i tighten the pinion the dust cover hits the seal at the arrow.




figuring i have the wrong seal , i order a couple from KW, i get the same one. now it looks like it could go in either way, and work, and if i install the opposite face, it will not hit the dust shield, but the part of the seal with the spring will be on the outside, i was always under the impression that the spring side faced in.

any ideas? it is always the simplest things that stop a project...LOL

 

My first thought was that thew seal is in backwards. You're right about the spring as far as I know.

 

I had this same thought process. It looks like you're putting the seal in backwards until you realize the spring needs to be inside. Will it go in further?

 

The seal does not go I any further. The shield is pretty thick, so I think with it removed it migh be okay. I'm going to hack it off tomorrow.