Pinion Seal MIA

[jeepin916]

hi everyone, got a problem with my front diff, i had some plastic wraped up in the pinion yolk and when i took it off i noticed a gray piece of plastic melted to the plastic bag that was stuck on there. after i removed everything i realized that that was the pinion seal taht i had pulled out with the plastic.
Problem is i went and bought a seal and it was too big and the rear seal, for the rear diff has a small spring in it, and i dotn remember seeing a spring in the front seal then i removed it, does anyone know if im supposed to have a spring up there?
thanks all

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Should have a spring like the rear one.

 

[Snitty]

they should all have a spring to keep it expanded.. but they can fall out

 

[jeepin916]

ok if they fall out dont they normally stay with the pinion? i looked and didnt find it anywhere. well i bought 3 seals and there of all different size diameter pinions so i hope one if them fits. got me a nice little project 2morrow after school, then its off to find another car.....

 

[Snitty]

if it falls out, gravity holds it against the spinning pinion, and eventually will wear away

 

[jeepin916]

cool thanks everyone. i changed the seal 2day, this is going to have to be a tempory fix, the pinion bearing is wore from havine no lube.