I have leaking rear axle seals. I have been putting the repair off. I am pulling about 9,000# about 600 miles next week. Started the repair this evening and discovered that I do not have what I need to get the Calipers off. What happens if you run with the leak, but just check the diff. fluid?

The rear brake shoes and e-brake shoes will become saturated with gear lube if not already. I ran with mine leaking for a while and besides the smell, i didn't really notice the brake performance. Did you find the how to write up on here about how to do this?

Yes, I found the write up and got started, but could not find my 20mm socket to remove the brake calipers. Looks like besides getting the calipers off with the leaf springs so tight, the job is fairly straight forward. Looks like a good time to repack bearings also.

It's 21mm, not 20.
You can force a 13/16" socket on there.
The Torx are T-55.
The bearings are wet lubed from the diff oil (no repacking).


And when doing the brakes, please read post #7 here
http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=146597&highlight=another+soft+brake

A little more "dually" insight on the brakes
http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=235320&highlight=rotor

And the axle seal DIY
http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=84927&highlight=rear+axle

And P-brake info
http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=310578&highlight=parking+brake

Wow, thanks for that info. Knowing that it is a 21mm will help save another trip to the store since I am 35 miles from the nearest one!! I think I will go ahead and do the job tomorrow and save myself a few more grey hairs from worrying while towing!

OK, seals are done. I would add one thing to the plethora of information on this site for how to do this.

The 21mm bolts holding the caliper on are incredibly difficult to remove. I tried the impact wrench, the breaker bar with a cheater, a sledge hammer, and many other things. On a brain storm, I put a closed end 21mm wrench on it and then turned the wrench with a bottle jack! Worked like a charm and a whole lot less nuckle busting too.