The '95-'97 and '98-'02 axles are essentially the same design. They upped the spline count from 26 to 28 and increased the diameter of the bearing journals starting on the '98 models. So the seals also differ in size. If I recall correctly from my upgrade to a 28 spline axle on my '97 Sporty, the 26 spline axle also has an inner and outer seal. The inner seals are easy to replace. The outer seals have to be installed between the bearing and the axle hub. So you need a hydraulic press to remove and install the bearing (plan to replace the bearings with the seals - the process of removing will likely destroy the bearing). Just make sure you have the right parts. I'm pretty sure I have the bearings and seals for the 26 spline axle set. I never used them because I had to go with the 28 spline axle to install the Track Finder rear locker. Let me know if you need them.

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1997 Sportage 4x4, auto-trans, Warn manual hubs, 4" UPYOURKIA front lift, TJ 106AA rear springs, 2-5/8" body lift, 31x10.50 treads, SmittyBilt SRC front and XRC rear bumper, swing-out tire mount, OBX LSD front diff, Track Finder rear locker, 5.38 R&Ps and... really crappy gas mileage! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />