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FORD SUPER DUTY 7.3L POWERSTROKE DIESELWhen I decided to replace my ball joints I had some trouble finding detailed information on the axle seal tool that is required to install the new axle seal (F81Z-3254-CB). The tool is required to replace the ball joints on 1999-2003 Ford F250 or F350 trucks. This is the oft referred to "special tool". The tool can be made with common fittings that can be found at a hardware store.
Here are some pictures of the tool I came up with. The axle seal (knuckle seal) installs easily with this tool. It just takes a few whacks with a 2 pound sledge. The axle seal needs to seat against the axle.
If you would prefer to purchase the tool for a good price it can be found by clicking the following link:
6695 - Ford Axle Shaft Seal Installer . The advantage of the actual tool, over the home made version, is that it controls where the seal seats, avoiding the possibility of damaging the seal.
| Required Parts: |
| Black or galvanized 1 1/4" pipe (about 8-12" long) |
| Black or galvanized 1 1/4" floor flange |
| Black or galvanized 1 1/4" pipe cap |
Tools Required: |
| Pipe wrench, if you want to tighten it up. |
| Grinder |

The floor flange must be ground down to a diameter of 3" and 3/16". This is done in order to fit inside the axle seal (F81Z-3254-CB).

Note how the floor axle seal (knuckle seal) tool fits inside the axle seal (F81Z-3254-CB).

The picture below illustrates how the floor flange must fit inside the axle seal (knuckle seal) (F81Z-3254-CB).

The Ford "special tool" part numbers are 205-429 for the installer and 205-199 for the driver.
You can buy the "special tool" for about 60$-$80 using the part number OTC 6695.