D44 Front Axle Tube Seals - Alloy USA vs Superior Axle & Gear Evolution Series

**CB3** · 08-12-2008, 05:04 PM

D44 Front Axle Tube Seals - Alloy USA vs Superior Axle & Gear Evolution Series...

These are the two brand names of aftermarket front axle tube seals I have found.

The Superior brand at Redrock4x4 and the Alloy USA brand at many online sites.

Which brands of axle tube seal is better? Are they the same brand under differing names? (they do look very similar)

I'm about to regear. So I think this is the opportune time to install some quality aftermarket front axle seals. Is there anything else I should upgrade while I'm at it? I have the money to do anything necessary, but I'm thinking that my stock axles are likely strong enough for my 33 X 10.5 R15 tires. So I'm not sure if there is anything else I need to upgrade, besides regearing and adding some aftermarket axle tube seals. Anything else I should also do?

Of the two brands of axle tube seal available, which would you recommend and why?

Thank you for your input, opinions, and advice.

BYuen · 08-12-2008, 05:13 PM

Here is the answer I got for the difference b/w the Alloy USA seals vs the Superior:
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f27/alloy-usa-vs-superior-d30-axle-oil-seals-541839/

**GOLENJEEPTJ** · 08-12-2008, 05:47 PM

You could always upgrade your axles, while it's all apart!?That would be the time! You never know, you might want to go to a larger tire in the future!

**spyder6** · 08-12-2008, 05:49 PM

i use Superior - they work great. you can just barely see them in this photo

**CB3** · 08-12-2008, 06:05 PM

Well, the place that is doing the regear stocks Alloy USA axle seals.

After learning a bit more about the seals, my impression is that possibly the latest version of the Alloy USA is the best, or that both brands are good and it doesn't matter which I used.

Since the place that is doing my regear stocks Alloy USA seals, I'll use them.

BTW - I don't trust my local 4x4 shop to regear me. In fact, I'm not sure that I trust them to do much of anything.

I live a 2 hr drive from Randy's Ring and Pinion. I called them up and asked if they do regears (or just sell parts). They said they do both. I made an appointment for next Tuesday to get regeared and Alloy USA seals added.

They're also going to look at my limited slip rearend (stock 06 Rubi setup) and see if they can make it more positive than it currently is by changing a worm gear or two, or by some other adjustment. Currently it's just to loose and I don't like it. They're not sure if they can alter that or not, until they inspect it.

I will also consider whether or not to upgrade my front and/or rear axles. For those who suggested I do upgrade axles, did you mean just the front, rear, or both? Money is not a problem. I can afford to do whatever I need to. However, I see no reason to throw money away on unnecessary upgrades. Hence my need for advice on this. I'm currently running 33 X 10.5 R15 tires and am very happy with them. However, it would be nice if my axles had enough strength to run 33 X 12.5 R15 if I should want to run those in future. It might also be nice to be strong enough for 35 X 12.5 R15 in case I ever want to run those in future. What are the tire size limitations of the stock axles vs upgrade axles? Are upgrade axles expensive? Are upgrade axles typically chromoly or other alloy?

elkfan2 · 08-12-2008, 06:54 PM

just remember that if anyone answeres your questions you pick aprt their answeres and ramble on about nothing anyway. But with 33" tires I wouldn't worry about upgrading the axles.

**CB3** · 08-12-2008, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elkfan2

But with 33" tires I wouldn't worry about upgrading the axles.

Thanks for your input. I appreciate it.

**Jerry Bransford** · 08-12-2008, 06:58 PM

They're not really important as a seal, they just keep the occasional errant dirt/dust out of the axle tubes. The real seals are located inside the pumpkin to keeps the oil out of the tubes since the sealed front hubs don't use gear lube like the rear axle bearings do. To me, they're not an upgrade I would put very high up on my to-do list.

**spyder6** · 08-12-2008, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry Bransford

They're not really important as a seal, they just keep the occasional errant dirt/dust out of the axle tubes. The real seals are located inside the pumpkin to keeps the oil out of the tubes since the sealed front hubs don't use gear lube like the rear axle bearings do. To me, they're not an upgrade I would put very high up on my to-do list.

ah but they use axle grease

**CB3** · 08-12-2008, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry Bransford

They're not really important as a seal, they just keep the occasional errant dirt/dust out of the axle tubes. The real seals are located inside the pumpkin to keeps the oil out of the tubes since the sealed front hubs don't use gear lube like the rear axle bearings do. To me, they're not an upgrade I would put very high up on my to-do list.

I agree, but in this case, it's being torn apart anyway. So it's as convenient and low labor of an opportunity as I'll ever have to add aftermarket axle tube seals. Hence my interest.

Greg_Volkman · 08-12-2008, 07:12 PM

I would really encorage you to go with the thicker alloy seals - both sides of my superior seals cracked and pulled out the first time i tried to install the shafts...they were brand new - just too thin IMHO.

deltabravo · 08-12-2008, 10:30 PM

since you are in the Pac NW and close to randy's ring and pinion.... you must be somewhere in the Puget Sound area....

You might look in to having David and crew at Northridge4x4.com in Bremerton do the gear swap..... they did mine and do them all the time. they might be closer to you.

**CB3** · 08-13-2008, 12:33 AM

Interesting story there. I once tried to have Northridge do some install work on my Jeep, but they never returned my call about installing it - even though David said they would. I left the message with David personally and he said I'd get a call back, but I didn't. Oh well. Water under the bridge now.

As for regearing, I wasn't aware that Northridge does regearings, but I've already scheduled it with Randy's Ring and Pinion after taking up some of their time on the phone. So I consider myself obligated to carry through with them.

Also, I'm 2 hours South of Seattle, which puts me about 2.5 hours South of RR&P in/near Lynwood. I have no idea where Bremerton is, but I have been to Seattle and Lynwood many times. i.e. - I know approximately where RR&P is, but have no idea where Bremerton or Northridge is.

But thanks for the thought.

Quote:

Originally Posted by deltabravo

since you are in the Pac NW and close to randy's ring and pinion.... you must be somewhere in the Puget Sound area....

You might look in to having David and crew at Northridge4x4.com in Bremerton do the gear swap..... they did mine and do them all the time. they might be closer to you.

DocMojave · 03-11-2011, 10:42 AM

3 years later... have the Front Axle Tube Seals (upgrade?) been improved? Are the thicker seals going to be an upgrade. I don't usually do my own work, I need a new front differential seal. Anytime I have anything done if I can upgrade something in the process I like to do it (if I can afford it).

Would this be a good time to upgrade my axel?

jeeptrash · 01-25-2012, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DocMojave

3 years later... have the Front Axle Tube Seals (upgrade?) been improved? Are the thicker seals going to be an upgrade. I don't usually do my own work, I need a new front differential seal. Anytime I have anything done if I can upgrade something in the process I like to do it (if I can afford it).

Would this be a good time to upgrade my axel?

Bump for a answer, another year later.