Yes, you will have to remove the entire upright/spindle from the strut, but the axle can still be bolted to the hub. The procedure is outlined in Bentley for replacing the differential seal.

Hi guys,

I put the new seals in over the weekend and drove around and it appears my small leak is gone (fingers crossed). I also noticed that when I pulled the axle out I lost a lot more differential fluid. When I finished and removed the fill plug for the front differential a lot more fluid came out. I think that part of my problem was that the differential was over filled (from previous owner).

Thanks for the help.

Thanks for coming back and reporting on your results and fix. So you replaced the o-ring and differential seal, correct? Was the differential oil really smelly like the old Hypoid gear oil of the past?

Yes I replaced both the o-ring and the seal. Once I remove axle and the housing where the o-ring goes it was apparent that was my leak. As for the smell, once I had the axle out the smell was more apparent. I wouldn't say it stinks, but it is a different smell than motor oil.

Again, thanks for the help.