Dana 44 Yoke Swap

I rebuild the Dana 44 rear axle on my M38A1 a year or so back. It's a tapered axle, 5.38. I had rebuilt it because the yoke was loose, as in you could wiggle it side to side by hand. I found a few things incorrectly assembled inside it so it was worthwhile.
It works great now except for one issue. At the time the yoke had a bit of a groove on it from the oil seal. I thought it was good enough and reused it. That was a mistake. It's losing a not insignificant amount of oil from the yoke area after every drive.
In the meantime I acquired a parts axle that has a much better condition yoke. Very smooth in the area where the seal seats. The plan is to replace the grooved yoke with the better one and put a new oil seal on it.
This is where I have a couple questions.
Does changing the yoke affect the pinion bearing preload? I'm thinking not, that the preload is determined only by the relationship between the bearings, cups, axle housing and pinion. Is this correct?
Second, is it feasible to change the yoke without disassembly of the axle? I have only ever removed the yoke by driving out the pinion after removing the differential carrier. If I can avoid complete disassembly of the axle that would be very nice.
Also if anyone has a lead on a good part number for a seal that would be appreciated. I had just used axle seal and gasket kit the first time around.
Thanks,
Ken

 

Yes and yes. You can swap the yoke without changing the preload (which is determined by the shim pack). You may need to use a puller on the old yoke but it should come right off after removing the nut and washer. You will want to change the seal again with the replacement yoke. I think I used National 5778 seal.

 

Hello Ken,
The yoke can be R & R'd without affecting the Preload & without disassembly of the axle. The torque spec for the yoke nut is like 200 ft #'s though .

 

A little silicone RTV on the splines and loctite on the threads too.

 

https://www.skf.com/us/products/ind...smission-seals/wear-sleeves/skf-speedi-sleeve
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