Axle seals are leaking again

This is good to know. my new 8-3/4 axles didn't come with the outer seals.

Of course the inner seals are in the housing.

Yeah, that could certainly cause a leak. I've never seen people leave the outer ones out. I eckon cause they are RIGHT THERE behind the flange, but I've torn down countless ones that were missing the inner seals. Not tore up. Just not there at all.