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Is there a trick to ordering and replacing the front Steering Flange Oil Seal Gasket. It's part Z, or 7348989, here;

http://www.surplusjeep.com/M37/group_10_front_axle.htm

They are very fragile cork gaskets. I ordered some and they arrived in several pieces.

Also, can these gaskets be replaced by simply removing the retainer (Q in the diagram).

Thanks

The most likely reason they are so fragile is that that are NOS I bet. Although new, they are old...very old. Old cork is not supple....it is very brittle. I had the same issue with the NOS kits I received a few years ago when I was rebuilding my front knuckles. Your best bet is to use the NOS fragile ones as patterns and cut new ones from sheet gasket material readily available at NAPA or McMaster.

The easiest and best solution is to first be sure and straighten the pulled bolt holes in the retainer so it mates flat against the knuckle housing. Apply a premium quality form in place gasket sealer such as Permatex Ultra Gray or equivalent liberally to the mating surface and assemble immediately as usual; be sure you use flat washers on the bolts, they will provide better distribution of the pressure applied when bolts are tightened. Remove any sealer that squeezes out after tightening bolts. This done right will make a far more drip free assembly than cork gasket will. You also need to use premium quality grease in the knuckle housing. Oil separates from the grease in cheap stuff causing constant dripping, especially in hot temps.

Thanks!