Axle seal question

Not positive, but I think the oil seal is more for splash protection. I don't think the axle oil level is supposed to sit at the level of the seal. Hopefully you get enough splash and oil from cornering to keep the seal lubricated. I once got a leak in my dumber years after I added some gear oil "to be safe" and didn't have a manual to know how to check the level. I recall the seals in my 65 Newport (8-3/4" rear) were leather, and still looked OK after decades.