Axle seals

[PaHumBug]

Hi all, just traded my stock H2 for a lifted one (2005, 29500 miles, 6 inch Fabtech lift (for $27,500, not a bad deal, eh?)).

Took it to the GM garage for an alignment, to reprogram the speedometer for tire size, and a general check up. They pointed out that one of my front axle seals is leaking, and the Fabtech spacer between the axle and diff is cracked on the other side.

I'm thinking the spacer shouldn't be very hard to replace on my own. What would cause it to crack though???

But what about the axle seal on the other side? They told me it would be over $400 in labor on a stock rig and mine may cost more depending on what they ran into with the lift kit. He said the brakes, ball joints, etc would all have to come off, pretty much take the whole front end apart. Does that sound right?

I'm fairly mechanical, is it a possible DIY fix???

Also, they told me there is no GM update that will adjust the speedometer for larger tires (contrary to what I've heard and found on this forum). So I guess I need to get one of those programmers. Unless anyone has one in north west PA that I could use???

I guess I'm just dealing with the speedometer for now, it's low on my priority list.

Thanks guys

[seventwozero]

I had taken my 04 2 to the local ex-Hummer dealership in town that told me the same thing regarding axle seals.

I now take the truck to a local mechanic who said the seal problem is basically across every 3/4 and 1 ton gm truck. The seals arn't really leaking as much as they are seeping slightly. If you look you should see some mositure on the axle around the seals, my mechanic told me they looked fine and it wasen't too necessary to rebuild them at the time (70k miles). He did say if I started to see a puddle of something after I've parked for a while that I should worry but the leaking seals is something he's seen on just about every GM truck that size.

[HUMTECH]

True about the speedo calibration, in order to do that we need a vci# from gm. They will not supply this to us. Only way is an aftermarket programmer. As for the front axle seals, flat rate times are very generous on these(one of the few items they are generous on) can be done fairly easy if your semi mechanically inclined. Let me know which side and i can give you details on how to go about it.

[HUMTECH]

BTW having a lift kt with cv axle spacers makes changing the seals easier as long as the axle pops out of the diff.

[PaHumBug]

The drivers side is leaking. It's not leaving a puddle but it seems more than just moist. Thanks Hummtech.

[PaHumBug]

Here is the broken CV axle spacer. I talked to Fabtech and they said the newer kits only need 1/2" spacers, and mine has 1.5" inch spacers which they no longer provide. He said I can use 3 of the 1/2" spacers. Does that sound like it will be a problem with strength or anything?

[HUMTECH]

On the left drop the cv axle out of the way then hit the axle flange with a hammer and it should pop right out. If it doesnt pop out the diff has to come out and be disassembled to remove axle.

[PaHumBug]

The only parts I'll need is the seal then? Or do I remember something about replacing a C-clip?

[HUMTECH]

Ya it is a good idea to replace the clipm to. Over time they expand and that is what causes them to get stuck and not pop out

[PaHumBug]

Anybody have GM part numbers for the seal and clip?