Thanks,
Phil has been a great help.
I had to take alot apart to replace the brake cross shaft. I can see why it was ever done before. I am going to replace the oil seals on both sides and also the seals and bushing on the center shaft for the differential lock on the right side. I really don't want brake problems in the future.
You need special tools to do as you are suggesting with the seals but........I have a little trick for you:
1: Remove the diffside plates to remove and install the new seals
2: Do one side at a time so the shaft is supported and the diff assy is not flopping around potentially damaging the new seals.
3: Once you have installed the new seals and are ready to put plate back on, wrap black electrical tape around splines and groove in side gear. This will stop seal lip from being caught and flipped out(resulting in oil on the brakes) Start wrapping the tape from the inside out, make sure it is wrapped tight and work your way out to fully cover the splines
4: Grease seal lip and tape
5: Carefully slide the side plate into position and install countersunk screw. Install 4 temporary bolts (or nuts and washers if applicable) where bolts for brake housing go to hold plate in position untill such time that the brakes are reinstalled.
6: Remove tape, plate is installed and seal is not damaged. I have used this trick many times without fail on the road.
The diff lock seals are a little trickier and can be installed using a 1/2 drive deep socket. If you have two(2) seals be carefull putting the second one in as you can install it too deep and damage the first one. If you take your time and use lots of heavy grease on the splines of carrier shaft you can install side gear onto shaft witout damaging seals. FYI, there is a shim between the diff side gear and the diff carrier. Do not lose or damage this. Make sure it is reinstalled upon assembly.
Hope this helps...........Elast