Dana 30 seal replacement with ARB locker

[maxtj]

I have an ARB air locker in my front Dana 30 and need to replace one of the seals. Following the guide on the forums, I was about to remove the locker and then found this in the ARB install manual:

Will I mess up the locker if I don’t use a spreader? Also will it be a pita to get back in? I feel like I can probably remove it without one.

 

[Apparition]

No, it will be fine if you pull it without a spreader.

It will be a PITA but it’s doable to get it back in.

I bought my spreader from Vevor, it wasn’t that unreasonable.

 

[hosejockey61]

I have an ARB air locker in my front Dana 30 and need to replace one of the seals. Following the guide on the forums, I was about to remove the locker and then found this in the ARB install manual:

Will I mess up the locker if I don’t use a spreader? Also will it be a pita to get back in? I feel like I can probably remove it without one.

The hardest part is keeping the shims exactly where they were when reinstalling. If there are thin shims, take care not to bend them or you'll be in a pickle. The other hard part is getting the seal housing lined up so the copper tube is where it was when it came out. Get it most of the way in and then use a brass drift punch to tap it to the correct orientation.