HomeDriveline and Axles > Gaskets and Sealing SystemsNational 8181NA Differential Pinion Seal - Rear or Rear Outer
Part #: 8181NA

National 8181NA Differential Pinion Seal - Rear or Rear Outer

Rear
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🚗Fitment: Ford and Mercury, Granada, Mustang II, Pinto, Bobcat, Monarch, Maverick, Comet, Gran Torino, Torino, Montego, Mustang, Cougar, Cyclone, Country Sedan, Fairlane, Falcon, Galaxie 500, Club Wagon, Galaxie, Caliente, Capri, Villager, Voyager, Country Squire, Falcon Sedan Delivery, Ranch Wagon, Sprint, Country Cruiser, Meteor, Starliner, Sunliner, and Victoria
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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.

BrandNational
Part Number8181NA
Flanged Outside Diameter (Inch)2.940
Flanged Outside Diameter (MM)74.680
Helix TypeClockwise-Spiral Lip Design
Housing Bore (Inch)2.623
Housing Bore (MM)66.620
Inside Diameter1.812
Inside Diameter46.020
MaterialNitrile
Outside Diameter2.627
Outside Diameter66.730
Outside Diameter (Inch)2.627
Outside Diameter (mm)66.730
Part DescriptionOil Seal
Series8000
Shaft (Inch)1.812
Shaft (MM)46.020
Thickness0.455
Thickness11.560
Type74
Unit of DimensionInch
Width (Inch)0.455
Width (mm)11.560

This part fits 73 vehicles. Search below:

YearMakeModelPositionNotes
1978FordPintoRearCompatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle.
1978FordPintoRear OuterCompatible with Ford Axle equipped vehicles featuring a 6.75 inch Ring Gear.
1978MercuryBobcatRear OuterCompatible with Ford Axle equipped vehicles featuring a 6.75 inch Ring Gear.
1978MercuryBobcatRearCompatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle.
1978MercuryMonarchRearCompatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle.
1977FordPintoRearCompatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle.
1977FordPintoRear OuterCompatible with Ford Axle equipped vehicles featuring a 6.75 inch Ring Gear.
1977MercuryBobcatRear OuterCompatible with Ford Axle equipped vehicles featuring a 6.75 inch Ring Gear.
1977MercuryBobcatRearCompatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle.
1977MercuryMonarchRearCompatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle.
1976FordPintoRearCompatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle.
1976FordPintoRear OuterCompatible with Ford Axle equipped vehicles featuring a 6.75 inch Ring Gear.
1976MercuryBobcatRear OuterCompatible with Ford Axle equipped vehicles featuring a 6.75 inch Ring Gear.
1976MercuryBobcatRearCompatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle.
1976MercuryMonarchRearCompatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle.
1975FordPintoRearCompatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle.
1975FordPintoRear OuterCompatible with Ford Axle equipped vehicles featuring a 6.75 inch Ring Gear.
1975MercuryBobcatRear OuterCompatible with Ford Axle equipped vehicles featuring a 6.75 inch Ring Gear.
1975MercuryBobcatRearCompatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle.
1975MercuryMonarchRearCompatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle.
1974FordPintoRear OuterCompatible with Ford Axle equipped vehicles featuring a 6.75 inch Ring Gear.
1974MercuryMontegoRearwith 7.75 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle
1974MercuryMontegoRearCompatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle.
1973FordMustangRearCompatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle.
1973FordPintoRear OuterCompatible with Ford Axle equipped vehicles featuring a 6.75 inch Ring Gear.
1973MercuryMontegoRearwith 7.75 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle
1973MercuryMontegoRearCompatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle.
1972FordMustangRearCompatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle.
1972FordPintoRear OuterCompatible with Ford Axle equipped vehicles featuring a 6.75 inch Ring Gear.
1972MercuryCougarRearCompatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle.
1972MercuryMontegoRearwith 7.75 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle
1972MercuryMontegoRearCompatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle.
1971FordMustangRearCompatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle.
1971FordPintoRear OuterCompatible with Ford Axle equipped vehicles featuring a 6.75 inch Ring Gear.
1971MercuryCougarRearCompatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle.
1971MercuryMontegoRearwith 7.75 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle
1971MercuryMontegoRearCompatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle.
1970FordMustangRearCompatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle.
1970FordMustangRear Outerwith 7.25 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle
1970MercuryCougarRearCompatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle.
1970MercuryMontegoRearwith 7.75 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle
1970MercuryMontegoRearCompatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle.
1969FordMustangRearCompatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle.
1969FordMustangRear Outerwith 7.25 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle
1969MercuryCougarRearCompatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle.
1969MercuryMontegoRearwith 7.75 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle
1969MercuryMontegoRearCompatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle.
1968FordMustangRearCompatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle.
1968FordMustangRear Outerwith 7.25 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle
1968MercuryCougarRearCompatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle.
1968MercuryMontegoRearwith 7.75 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle
1968MercuryMontegoRearCompatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle.
1967FordMustangRearCompatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle.
1967FordMustangRear Outerwith 7.25 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle
1967MercuryCapriRearwith 7.75 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle
1967MercuryCapriRearCompatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle.
1967MercuryCougarRearCompatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle.
1967MercuryVillagerRearwith 7.75 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle
1967MercuryVillagerRearCompatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle.
1966FordMustangRearCompatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle.
1966FordMustangRear Outerwith 7.25 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle
1966MercuryCapriRearwith 7.75 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle
1966MercuryCapriRearCompatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle.
1966MercuryVillagerRearwith 7.75 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle
1966MercuryVillagerRearCompatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle.
1965FordMustangRearCompatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle.
1965FordMustangRear Outerwith 7.25 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle
1965MercuryVillagerRear Outerwith 7.25 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle
1964FordMustangRearCompatible with differential pinion seals for vehicles featuring an 8-inch ring gear and Ford axle.
1964FordMustangRear Outerwith 7.25 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle
1964MercuryVillagerRear Outerwith 7.25 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle
1963MercuryVillagerRear Outerwith 7.25 (in) Ring Gear; with Ford Axle
1962MercuryVillagerRear Outerwith 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:

18100245313629239463758181NAC2OW4676BC2OW4676CC2OW4676C3C2OZ4676AC2OZ4676BC6OW4676CC20Z4676BD00W4676BD6EW4676A1AD6FZ4676AT1744XW8456

Cross-reference numbers are provided for identification purposes only. Always confirm fitment before ordering.