great thread so BUMP
1. my passenger-side rear-seal leaks. the driver-side rear-seal seems fine. "if it aint broke, dont fix it" my gut is telling me to leave the left side stock. order the parts for the left side, but leave them on the shelf for now... and ill know how to replace them late when the time comes.
2. what parts do I need for a basic single cab 2.5l 2000 xl with minimal california rust?
-rear wheel seal (should fit both 7.5 and 8.8 differentials)
-rear wheel bearing (should fit both 7.5 and 8.8 differentials)
-drum brake kit (9in)
is there anything else I am missing like any sort of retainer clips or additional drum brake hardware?
3. should i be replacing the rear axle shafts as well??
what are the signs that rear axle should be replaced?
There is some 'lateral play' on my passenger-side rear-axle, is this normal wear or a sure sign that the axle must be replaced?
4. if my brake cylinders do not leak, am i fine to leave them on the truck? does the drum brake replacement procedure 'disrupt' the cylinder and risk introducing leaks or other failure to the 26year old cylinder?
i am kinda skeptical of the quality of replacement parts these days and would hate to replace a working cylinder with a low quality 'chinese' product
5. i watched this video where they only replaced the wheel seal:
if my axle is fine, should i assume my bearings are fine and I would be good to just replace only the seal?
Im also thinking , I could replace only the seal, drive around for a month or three, and if no leaks re-occur, then go ahead and replace the drum brakes?