yes you can. You will just have to make sure you do not over or under tighten the nut on reassembly.

Miles

 

...X2...:yes:

 

But not on a pumpkin-style rear like a '62-'63, right? That has to be taken out and re-set?

 

No, you can still change the seal without changing the crush sleeve. The crush sleeve acts like a lock washer to keep pressure on the pinion nut and thus helps prevent the nut from backing off. The crush amount is set by the bearings & shims. Once that is set and as long as you are not changing any of those variables you can remove the nut & re install it without having to change the crush sleeve. Now you should always use a new nut when possible and a few drops of red loc-tite.

Miles

 

All I've ever done is use an impact wrench and just tighten the nut until you just barely feel resistance, then stake the nut and you're good to go. Done many with crush sleeves this way and never had a problem.

 

I usually, take a sharp chisel, and mark a line across the pinion, the pinion nut and the yoke, then remove and install your new seal, line the yoke up with the line, and tighten the nut till its tight but not past your mark or you will be crushing the sleeve more and changing bearing preload.

 

Many thanks for the replies. Now I think that's something I can handle with my set of DIY skills. This is just like having a panel of Nova mechanics on call!