Rear axle play, seals, and brakes

[D13]

87 R10 8.5 5 bolt big brakes. Had a sticking right rear. pulled drum, shoes are tacky, assume oil soaked from axle seal, since wheel cylinder does not appear to be leaking.

Axle play is less than .005 up/down, .025 in/out. Is this OK?

So I'm assuming that I have to replace the seal, will inspect the bearing for damage (I'm assuming the play number above is OK). To do that I have to remove the axle which means the C clip. This is a gov-lock, do I have to remove the cross shaft to get the clips out?

Also noticed the pinion area is wet, can I replace the pinion seal without pulling the pinion out? I realize the the yoke ahs to come off, probably wouldn't hut to throw joints in it too.

Man, $15 worth of seals ruined $300 of brakes ( I don't think the drum is salvageable, and I always replace them in pairs...).

I may swap to discs, I have an Impala rear just sitting there. But I need to adress the axle leaks anyway.

[Lee H]

Play is fine. Yes you have to remove axles to replace seals. Be sure to use a Little silicone sealer on the lip that sealers against the axle housing and some grease on the seal lip against the axle. On the pinion seal, have heard both ways, do it, and don't do it. You need to research that more. I'd try it but not at the same time.
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