1st and 2nd design seals

[Jared Jackson]

Hey guys,

I have some leaky outer seals on my front differential (where the CV's mount) on my 97 k1500.

Checking RA for some seals, I see National has:

710281 - 1st design seal

Front Outer; AAM; Independent front suspension; 8.25" Ring Gear; 2.91" O.D.; .4" Width

710536 - 2nd design seal
Front Outer; AAM; Independent front suspension; 8.25" Ring Gear; 2.915" O.D.; .453" Width

I did some Googling but couldn't come up with a direct answer, so I figured I would see if anyone has tackled this job and has any valuable input.

I figured I could just order both, but I would rather eliminate the hassle if I can.

Is there a way, other than removing the old and comparing, to determine what "design" you have?

 

[Jared Jackson]

actually, now that I think about this, I did this job on an 05 Sierra many years ago, and those seals look like they would go on the pinion side of the diff. I think the seals that I will see when I pull out the axle shafts look like this:

DORMAN 600606



Still make me wonder the difference between the 1st and 2nd design though...

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[df2x4]

I had a similar ordeal with the pinion seal of the 10 bolt rear end in my '97 Suburban. They were cheap enough that I just ordered one of each and returned the one I didn't use. I'm sure this probably won't be any help at all considering we're dealing with completely different parts, but mine ended up being the first design. Here's the thread.

https://www.gmt400.com/threads/97-k1500-suburban-10-bolt-pinion-seal.39403/

 

[Supercharged111]

2nd design is what you posted above, 1st design is not as thick and is a regular lip design. Can't use 2nd design on an early diff because it will stick out, cause interference, and leak. Ask me how I know. 97 was the crossover year too FYI.

 

[deadbeat]

Is there any correlation to the first design being the front diffs with the plugs and the 2nd design being the 1 plug? My dads 1997 had to have the front diff replaced and it said, where it was 2 plugs, that it was first design. My diff only has 1 plug and I believe it to be the 2nd design. They also said 1997 was the cut over year for that as well and it could be either one.

 

[Supercharged111]

Sounds logical and is consistent with how my 97 and 98 came stock. My 1500 diff is bastardized now though. I bolted a late actuator housing to an early pig so each side takes a different seal. Cheap 4.10 gears FTW though.

 

[Jared Jackson]

Is there any correlation to the first design being the front diffs with the plugs and the 2nd design being the 1 plug? My dads 1997 had to have the front diff replaced and it said, where it was 2 plugs, that it was first design. My diff only has 1 plug and I believe it to be the 2nd design. They also said 1997 was the cut over year for that as well and it could be either one.

When you say 1 and 2 plugs... what plugs are we counting? I was only familiar with a drain plug and a fill plug?

How does a front diff with 1 plug get drained? Maybe I am just getting confused, lol.

Unfortunately, I am at work and cannot go crawl under the truck to see what plugs I have.

 

[Supercharged111]

He's talking about electric plugs for the 4wd actuator.

 

[Jared Jackson]

He's talking about electric plugs for the 4wd actuator.

now that makes more sense to me... I was thinking drain/fill plugs, I was like "huh?"

good to know, I will check that out!

 

[deadbeat]

Yes, I was talking about 4wd actuator plugs. It would be cool if there was a correlation between those and what bearings and seals to use for future reference. I will be changing a 2 plug ones bearings tomorrow so I'll post back up what it had.