I have replaced my axle bearings with what I think are called GM style bearings featuring an "O" ring around the outer diameter. The bearings are also sealed. Does this eliminate the need for the traditional axle seal?
The "O-ring" is there only to eliminate the outer race from rotating in the housing. I just went through this 9" Ford axle bearing/seal headache myself. The small axle uses the seal in the axle tube, and I had a "Heavy Duty" axle that have a bigger OD axle bearing/seal surface that uses a bigger bearing that has an axle seal built into the bearing assembly. The seal also rides on a different area on the axle, right next to the pressed on bearing, just inside the flange. I hope that makes sense. Sorry I don't have a picture of what I'm talking about but I know Summit sells this bearing w/ the seal.
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