Replacing D30 seal, yoke inspection for groves

[ChrisD]

Today I had my front D30 pinion seal replaced by a somewhat local shop. Before the shop re-installed the yoke, they asked if I wanted to reuse the existing yoke or replace with a new one, due to the old yoke having groves (see attached photos). It was stated that the groves "could" damage the new seal resulting to premature failure of the seal. In the end I had the shop install a new yoke for piece of mind.

On a side note, I believe this is the first time the seal was replaced ~119,800 miles on the jeep with 1/2 a season being offroad.

However I wanted to hear your feedback...

Did I really need to replace the yoke? If yes, how bad are the groves?


FWIW... After seeing how easy it is to change the pinion seal, I will be changing the next one myself.

[ZAEDOCK]

It probably could have been polished up a bit with some emery cloth, but for a $30-$40 part, changing makes sense.

[Kurt]

Yokes can also be sleeved to repair the grooves.
Had it done to my 8.8 yoke when the new R&P went in.

I hope they set the pinion preload correct.
CC had a bad experience with a shop that severely over torqued his pinion.

[ChrisD]

but for a $30-$40 part, changing makes sense.

Paid 60$ for a new Splicer yoke..

Yokes can also be sleeved to repair the grooves.
Had it done to my 8.8 yoke when the new R&P went in.

I hope they set the pinion preload correct.
CC had a bad experience with a shop that severely over torqued his pinion.

Was told that sleeving it would cost the same as a new yoke.

I watched the whole process. Basically he marked the nut & pinion, removed the nut, installed new seal & yoke, retighten. At no point a torque wrench was used, which made me a bit nervous. The flip side, I don't think someone could stay in business for X amount of years and do a half fast job.


In the end it was $100 to change the pinion and $60 for the new Spicer yoke (yes new fluid was added).

[HayDuke]

just a thought ....if you do get a new on go with the u-bolt straps over the stock ones...

[ChrisD]

just a thought ....if you do get a new on go with the u-bolt straps over the stock ones...

Will have to remember that next time.

[HayDuke]

i think it's a d44 yoke thats been fit to the d30 front for the u-bolt style , if you don't have a 44 already...but they make them for both n f+r .....either way i have found them to be very useful when swapping driveshafts or breakage..