Steve Jeep

The Situation:
The axle oil seals needed replacing and I had to take the Dana 30 ring
gear carrier out. There were six thin shims on the driver's side next
to the air lockers to position the carrier. There are no problems with
ring gear or pinion operation, and the bearings are fine.

The questions:
1) Can I use axle bearing grease to hold the shims in place while
re-installing the carrier?

2) If I get the caps, bolts, shims, etc back in place, will the ring
gear / pinion set-up still be OK?

3) What should the torque for the bearing cap blocks be for this diff
with ARB Air Lockers?

4) While it was apart I counted the teeth: 10 on pinion; 41 on ring
gear. I think this makes the ratio 4.10. is this stock? factory option?
custom change when the air lockers were installed??

I was surprised that no seal is used at the wheel ends of the axles
where they leave the diff housing. This lets mud inside the housing
around the axle -- this is what lead to the seal failure. Any way to
seal the area? Any way to clean it without disassembling the whole
thing? This promises to be a continuing problem.....

Thanks for your words of wisdom!
~steve
MuddyCJ7@comcast.net
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Red 1978 CJ-7, 304V8, headers, T-18 w/Granny
Dana 20, Dana 30/AMC20 4.10 ARB air lockers
Mosler axle, 6in suspension lift, 35in tires
8000lb Ramsey wench, and more stuff