87 Cherokee Front Axle seals??

[BillyBob]

I have a leaking front axle seal that I am trying to replace on a 87 Jeep Cherokee 4X4. It "looks" like it has to be pulled out through the axle tube itself with a long-necked puller. Is this correct? I started this project a few hours ago & am now stumped as to how to get this seal out. Any help would be appeciated.
TIA

 

[XJNick]

I've never done the front axle seals on my cherokee. I have done the rear one (like three times :roll:!) and it did require a puller tool (which I rented at autozone) to pull the seal out.

-Nick :!:

 

[BillyBob]

Thanks for your response, but it is the front axle that I am in need of information about. I do in fact have a long puller, but need to know if it gets pulled out through the axle tube or do I have to remove the carrier and replace it from the inside.
Thanks! (Stuck in the driveway)

 

[seminolexj]

I have a 88 XJ and in the process of replacing the seals. The seals do come out through the inside requiring the carrier to be removed. This is a fairly simple process. But I have run into a little set back on mine.

I have a LockRight locker and a Posi-Lok cable actuator in mine. When I tried to remove my inner axle shaft on the passenger side, it would only move about 1 inch. From everything that I have researched before I started, this axle shaft should just slide out. Somehow mine is unfortunate to have some sort of clip that holds the axle in. I am going to have to disassemble the locker piece by piece while it is still in the carrier to gain access to this clip.