When I removed my front drive axles to replace my steering ujoints. I notice they had an odd rubber "v-ring" seal on them. Molded on them was " Forsheda 38415". I set out to get replacements since mine where old and weathered. I couldn't find anything based on my application alone (1977 Dodge W200) so, I tried using the information molded into the rubber itself. I cam across a website that crossed referenced the number over to Napa 400700. So, I ordered two.


They fit on the stone shield just fine. However, when I starting putting the hub/bearing assembly back together I notice these seals didn't have sufficient clearance and interfered with the hubs being able to turn freely. So I ended up removing them (destroying them in the process) to correct that problem.


I'm not sure what went wrong, but I do have some ideas.

• The replacement inner wheel seals where a little thicker than the original ones that had to be removed in order to pull the axles. Perhaps that took away the needed clearance?

• I got the wrong seals?

• The truck was never suppose to have them? My Chilton manual only mentions this seal for models though 1984 and my Haynes make no mention of the v-ring seal at all. All the seal seems to do is “cup” against the inner wheel seal shielding it from splashes.

I was able to find one other online discussion about this over at ramcharger central.


http://ramchargercentral.com/vehicle...e-shaft-seals/


Has anyone here encountered this problem before?

 

https://ramchargercentral.com/vehicl...heel-bearings/
PowerWagonPete @ ramchargercentral
Glad I finally found some info on this deal.