we have a 1985 6.2 4x4 suburban, we understand it was built with all heavy duty parts???? it has 8 lug wheels and we now need rear axle oil seals, problem I've found is that my usual supplier (rockauto) doesn't list one for our vehicle that is the same dimensions. ours are approx 1.97" inner diameter and 3.25" outside. if it helps the outer bearings are big roller bearings not tappered. the shaft are held in with c clips and the diff cover is much bigger than the front one. I'm unable to give measurements of ring gear etc at mo as burb is in workshop away from home but I'd really like to get some seals ordered so we can get it back on it's wheels asap.
bear in mind we are in the UK and even simple parts like these will take 4-5 days to get here at best.

any help/info would be really appreciated

Sounds like you have the semi floating 14 bolt rear axle. What RPO code do you have for brakes and what are the dimensions of the brakes?

I still have the packaging from my seals for the semi-floating 14 bolt with the 13" brakes somewhere so I could probably come up with a part number...

rpo code???????? where do I find this???
brakes are huge but not sure of size, will try to get over to it later today and have a measure up, cheers

Open the glovebox door and there should be a sticker on it with all the codes. On the 1986 (maybe 1987 too) and back, it gives a short summary of what the code means.

more than likely you have the 13 in rear drums. i have the same suburban outside and thats what mine has as well as every other 6.2 suburban with an sf 14bolt that i have ever been around. good luck!!

mm

ok, I've looked at the sticker for the code and it's just a big blank so obviously the details have worn off. I had a measure up and the drums are 13", the diff cover has 14 bolts and the c/w measures approx 9"/9.5" across. so it does appear to be as you guys have desribed, now all I need is to find a supplier for the seals that will ship to the UK. any ideas guys???

cheers
Cliff

I wouldn't be surprised if the seals were available there. Thinking back, I seem to remember sorting through a bin of wheel bearing seals to find the correct one.

You've got a 14 bolt GM semi floating axle there, with the heavier brakes and the 9.5 ring gear. Should be a common generic seal... I know the online catalogs don't list it, but if you call a parts place they will have it.

I wouldn't be surprised if the seals were available there. Thinking back, I seem to remember sorting through a bin of wheel bearing seals to find the correct one.

You've got a 14 bolt GM semi floating axle there, with the heavier brakes and the 9.5 ring gear. Should be a common generic seal... I know the online catalogs don't list it, but if you call a parts place they will have it.

cheers for that, I'll give em a buzz and see what they come up with. we do have a local seal place so might just pull one out and see if they can match it up like that before ordering state side, if it's a common seal they should be able to help:)