Jeepsinker- the trip from Alaska was just over 5000. That took June-September. Since getting to Nc I spent a month at JRTC. The rest of the time my daily commute has been around 5 miles. Also looked at my first recorded fill up, and Im at 8980 since then.
The original cork plug is still in there, I also put some RTV between the nut and seal.
The gear oil RTV is something I learned about while working on the truck. The guy at Napa in California told me about it. I was thinking I had bought into a gimmick, good to know it is a real thing.
Rustystud-I used new bearings and races. As far as I can tell both seals seated correctly. I was as careful with the hub when I installed it and donth think I hit the inner seal. It is hard to tell how tight the seal is against the sealing surface, new seals and new races so neither should be worn down. I think I will pull it apart and try your torquing technique. By seal mounting surface you mean the non rotating metal part if the seal not the rubber moving part right? If so the. Yes I put a small bead of the grey RTV in there.
I agree with your last statement, once I figure out what I am doing wrong I will be able to avoid it and possibly help some one else making the same mistake.
I will try to remember to take lots if pictures while we do the heads this weekend, and If I find anything of note in the hubs Ill take pictures of that too.