Technical Is a axle seal required

Hi guys, this is my first time building a 9" rear. I was going to install the axles today and thought I might be missing a seal so I took a look at the axle I have for my quick change (which used some 9" parts including housing ends) and noticed it did have a seal but the bearing is different also.

Do I need to install a seal (orange in the picture) on my axle. The axle on the left (no seal) is the one I am installing. If I do need the seal, (what is the official name so I can aske for one and what model Fords did the large housing ends come in (you know napa won't be able to look it up without that info). and best yet, if someone has a part number that would be awesome

 

Ken,You will need a seal and I believe there is a big bearing seal and a small with the 9" Ford. HRP

 

That's a tapered roller bearing on the left and the seal is on the opposite side.

 

I see it too...the seal is the thing with the rubber parts on it...

They used those in the 70s on big cars, and into the 80s on trucks, I believe.

 

Their still a mystery to me. How the heck do they stay in? Is their a torrington bearing outboard?

 

The metal part of the seal is clamped between the wheel bearing and the bearing retainer. The seal actually takes the thrust load on these things. Interesting design...

 

I'd say. Replaced an axle in an 80s Bronco once and just couldn't get how it stayed together.
Not my pic.

 

I just went thru this on a couple custom 9" rears I got from Quick Performance. On the first rear it came with no seal the bearing is sealed and they said to use a little RTV around the outer race. Ive also seen the bearings that have an o ring on them too. The next rear I got came with seals. I called and asked what gives they said due to some people having issues with leaks they now recommend the inner seals too. I did put them in my last one but neither have leaked with or without the inner seals.

 

Believe it or not, they are called "rear wheel seals"....at least in many parts catalogs I've looked through.

 

Last bearings I got for a custom axle I built with 9" big bearing cups and shafts was a set 20 bearing which looks like the bearing in the pic on the left. The other one the seal should be on the other side of the bearing. Reminds me of a Dana 44 axle bearing set up (I'm sure it is the same configuration as other axles too).

Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!

 

I asked the same question 8 years ago on here when i put my first 9" together. I have the same bearings as on the left. I was told a Little rtv around the outside and that's what i did. It has worked out great for 8 years including some SCCA Autocross with heavy side loads. No leaks at all.

 

Ok, so for the left axle, folks are saying I do not need an inner seal. the black rubber on the bearing is the seal. (but add some RTV on the outer edge of the bearing (or on the axle locking plate) or after installed all the way, run a little bit of RTV on the outer edge then bolt the locking plate on.

When I slide the axle (left one) it was tapered and seem to seal good (by feel).

 

In the pic landseaandair posted the flange behind the bearing & seal held the axle in with the 4 bolts thru the axle housing flange. When that design 1st came out in the early 70's Ford had to recall a bunch of them because the axle shaft may have come loose from the bearing & slide out. Fix was to replace the axle shafts and install an additional "C" type flange with the flange on the axle shaft.