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