Measure your backlash before you remove the old carrier.
Since you're replacing the front seal you will have the Yoke off so go ahead and take your pinion out and inspect the bearings an the races just to make sure they're good.
I took the carrier apart tonight. Pinion bearing and cups nice condition and turn smoothly. I'm on the fence about replacing them since it seems unnecessary. What ya think? The pinion seem a little loose but, the FSM says 0-15. The pattern looked ok but, I didn't a good reading. My technique as probably off. Any tips where to put the pry bar to get a good pattern? The backlash was .004 but, I am using an old Craftsman jeweled dial indicator. It might be off but, It did seem tight. Thanks Craig
