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National 8181NA Differential Pinion Seal - Rear or Rear Outer
National 8181NA Differential Pinion Seal Overview
The National 8181NA differential pinion seal is engineered to provide reliable sealing performance for driveline applications. Designed specifically for Ford and Mercury vehicles including Mustang, Cougar, and Pinto models, this oil seal helps maintain optimal differential function by preventing fluid leaks.
- Inside diameter: 1.812 inches (46.020 mm)
- Outside diameter: 2.627 inches (66.730 mm)
- Flanged outside diameter: 2.940 inches (74.680 mm)
- Thickness: 0.455 inches (11.560 mm)
- Material: durable nitrile rubber
- Helix type: clockwise-spiral lip design for enhanced sealing
- Housing bore diameter: 2.623 inches (66.620 mm)
- Series: 8000
Technical Details and Specifications
The 8181NA differential pinion seal from National is constructed from nitrile, a material known for its resistance to oil, heat, and wear. Its precise dimensions, including a 1.812-inch inside diameter and a 2.627-inch outside diameter, ensure a secure fit within the differential housing bore of 2.623 inches. The clockwise-spiral lip design improves sealing efficiency by directing fluid back into the housing, reducing the risk of leaks. This seal is part of National's 8000 series, which focuses on durability and consistent performance in driveline sealing systems.
Compatible Vehicles and Applications
This differential pinion seal is compatible with a range of Ford and Mercury vehicles, including Bobcat, Capri, Cougar, Monarch, Montego, Mustang, Pinto, and Villager models. The part number 8181NA is specifically designed to meet the sealing requirements of these vehicles' differentials, ensuring proper fit and function.
Common Issues Addressed by the 8181NA Seal
- Prevents differential oil leaks that can cause driveline damage
- Reduces contamination ingress into the differential assembly
- Maintains proper lubrication levels for differential gears
- Minimizes wear on pinion bearings by retaining lubricant
- Helps avoid costly repairs due to seal failure or fluid loss
Installation Notes and Tips
When installing the National 8181NA differential pinion seal, ensure the housing bore and shaft surfaces are clean and free of debris. Use appropriate tools to press the seal evenly into the housing bore without distortion. Verify the seal lip orientation matches the clockwise-spiral design to optimize sealing performance. Lubricate the seal lip lightly with differential oil before installation to reduce initial wear.
Quality Assurance and Warranty
National manufactures the 8181NA differential pinion seal to meet industry standards for durability and performance. Made from high-quality nitrile material, this seal is designed to withstand typical operating conditions in Ford and Mercury differentials. While specific warranty details may vary, National products generally come with a limited warranty against manufacturing defects, providing confidence in the product's reliability.
| Brand | National |
| Part Number | 8181NA |
| Flanged Outside Diameter (Inch) | 2.940 |
| Flanged Outside Diameter (MM) | 74.680 |
| Helix Type | Clockwise-Spiral Lip Design |
| Housing Bore (Inch) | 2.623 |
| Housing Bore (MM) | 66.620 |
| Inside Diameter | 1.812 |
| Inside Diameter | 46.020 |
| Material | Nitrile |
| Outside Diameter | 2.627 |
| Outside Diameter | 66.730 |
| Outside Diameter (Inch) | 2.627 |
| Outside Diameter (mm) | 66.730 |
| Part Description | Oil Seal |
| Series | 8000 |
| Shaft (Inch) | 1.812 |
| Shaft (MM) | 46.020 |
| Thickness | 0.455 |
| Thickness | 11.560 |
| Type | 74 |
| Unit of Dimension | Inch |
| Width (Inch) | 0.455 |
| Width (mm) | 11.560 |
This part fits 73 vehicles. Search below:
| Year | Make | Model | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Ford | Pinto | Rear | Compatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle. |
| 1978 | Ford | Pinto | Rear Outer | Compatible with Ford Axle equipped vehicles featuring a 6.75 inch Ring Gear. |
| 1978 | Mercury | Bobcat | Rear Outer | Compatible with Ford Axle equipped vehicles featuring a 6.75 inch Ring Gear. |
| 1978 | Mercury | Bobcat | Rear | Compatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle. |
| 1978 | Mercury | Monarch | Rear | Compatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle. |
| 1977 | Ford | Pinto | Rear | Compatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle. |
| 1977 | Ford | Pinto | Rear Outer | Compatible with Ford Axle equipped vehicles featuring a 6.75 inch Ring Gear. |
| 1977 | Mercury | Bobcat | Rear Outer | Compatible with Ford Axle equipped vehicles featuring a 6.75 inch Ring Gear. |
| 1977 | Mercury | Bobcat | Rear | Compatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle. |
| 1977 | Mercury | Monarch | Rear | Compatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle. |
| 1976 | Ford | Pinto | Rear | Compatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle. |
| 1976 | Ford | Pinto | Rear Outer | Compatible with Ford Axle equipped vehicles featuring a 6.75 inch Ring Gear. |
| 1976 | Mercury | Bobcat | Rear Outer | Compatible with Ford Axle equipped vehicles featuring a 6.75 inch Ring Gear. |
| 1976 | Mercury | Bobcat | Rear | Compatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle. |
| 1976 | Mercury | Monarch | Rear | Compatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle. |
| 1975 | Ford | Pinto | Rear | Compatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle. |
| 1975 | Ford | Pinto | Rear Outer | Compatible with Ford Axle equipped vehicles featuring a 6.75 inch Ring Gear. |
| 1975 | Mercury | Bobcat | Rear Outer | Compatible with Ford Axle equipped vehicles featuring a 6.75 inch Ring Gear. |
| 1975 | Mercury | Bobcat | Rear | Compatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle. |
| 1975 | Mercury | Monarch | Rear | Compatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle. |
| 1974 | Ford | Pinto | Rear Outer | Compatible with Ford Axle equipped vehicles featuring a 6.75 inch Ring Gear. |
| 1974 | Mercury | Montego | Rear | with 7.75 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle |
| 1974 | Mercury | Montego | Rear | Compatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle. |
| 1973 | Ford | Mustang | Rear | Compatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle. |
| 1973 | Ford | Pinto | Rear Outer | Compatible with Ford Axle equipped vehicles featuring a 6.75 inch Ring Gear. |
| 1973 | Mercury | Montego | Rear | with 7.75 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle |
| 1973 | Mercury | Montego | Rear | Compatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle. |
| 1972 | Ford | Mustang | Rear | Compatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle. |
| 1972 | Ford | Pinto | Rear Outer | Compatible with Ford Axle equipped vehicles featuring a 6.75 inch Ring Gear. |
| 1972 | Mercury | Cougar | Rear | Compatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle. |
| 1972 | Mercury | Montego | Rear | with 7.75 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle |
| 1972 | Mercury | Montego | Rear | Compatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle. |
| 1971 | Ford | Mustang | Rear | Compatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle. |
| 1971 | Ford | Pinto | Rear Outer | Compatible with Ford Axle equipped vehicles featuring a 6.75 inch Ring Gear. |
| 1971 | Mercury | Cougar | Rear | Compatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle. |
| 1971 | Mercury | Montego | Rear | with 7.75 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle |
| 1971 | Mercury | Montego | Rear | Compatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle. |
| 1970 | Ford | Mustang | Rear | Compatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle. |
| 1970 | Ford | Mustang | Rear Outer | with 7.25 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle |
| 1970 | Mercury | Cougar | Rear | Compatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle. |
| 1970 | Mercury | Montego | Rear | with 7.75 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle |
| 1970 | Mercury | Montego | Rear | Compatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle. |
| 1969 | Ford | Mustang | Rear | Compatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle. |
| 1969 | Ford | Mustang | Rear Outer | with 7.25 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle |
| 1969 | Mercury | Cougar | Rear | Compatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle. |
| 1969 | Mercury | Montego | Rear | with 7.75 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle |
| 1969 | Mercury | Montego | Rear | Compatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle. |
| 1968 | Ford | Mustang | Rear | Compatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle. |
| 1968 | Ford | Mustang | Rear Outer | with 7.25 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle |
| 1968 | Mercury | Cougar | Rear | Compatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle. |
| 1968 | Mercury | Montego | Rear | with 7.75 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle |
| 1968 | Mercury | Montego | Rear | Compatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle. |
| 1967 | Ford | Mustang | Rear | Compatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle. |
| 1967 | Ford | Mustang | Rear Outer | with 7.25 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle |
| 1967 | Mercury | Capri | Rear | with 7.75 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle |
| 1967 | Mercury | Capri | Rear | Compatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle. |
| 1967 | Mercury | Cougar | Rear | Compatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle. |
| 1967 | Mercury | Villager | Rear | with 7.75 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle |
| 1967 | Mercury | Villager | Rear | Compatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle. |
| 1966 | Ford | Mustang | Rear | Compatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle. |
| 1966 | Ford | Mustang | Rear Outer | with 7.25 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle |
| 1966 | Mercury | Capri | Rear | with 7.75 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle |
| 1966 | Mercury | Capri | Rear | Compatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle. |
| 1966 | Mercury | Villager | Rear | with 7.75 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle |
| 1966 | Mercury | Villager | Rear | Compatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle. |
| 1965 | Ford | Mustang | Rear | Compatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle. |
| 1965 | Ford | Mustang | Rear Outer | with 7.25 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle |
| 1965 | Mercury | Villager | Rear Outer | with 7.25 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle |
| 1964 | Ford | Mustang | Rear | Compatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle. |
| 1964 | Ford | Mustang | Rear Outer | with 7.25 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle |
| 1964 | Mercury | Villager | Rear Outer | with 7.25 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle |
| 1963 | Mercury | Villager | Rear Outer | with 7.25 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle |
| 1962 | Mercury | Villager | Rear Outer | with 7.25 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle |
* Always verify fitment with your vehicle's VIN if unsure. Submodel & trim restrictions may apply.
This part directly replaces or is cross-referenced with the following part numbers:
Cross-reference numbers are provided for identification purposes only. Always confirm fitment before ordering.