rear axle outer seal opinions

[Big Mike's Motor Pool]

im getting ready to replace all my wheel bearings. i was planning on leaving out the outer seals on the rear axles because when left out these be oil bath bearings if enough oil is put into the rear. i have done this on my mud truck and am also going to be tearing into it to see how it worked out after a year of beating in the mud.
what are your opinions on leavin out this seal?? some people have told me that they have bought rears that didnt even have the seal in them

 

[rmgill]

The inner seal doesn't do well for keeping the oil in. It's really designed to keep water out.

 

[jwaller]

it will work well for pouring oil out the inner seal. I personall hate this and it's why most everybody pulls the hubs to fix the oiling down of the brake drums. if you have a good way of keeping the oil in the bearings then it's prob a good idea but I havent been able to do it.

 

[acetomatoco]

The original system lasted 50 years... just put the cork in the keyway to keep the oil off the brakes....ACE