One problem related to axle shaft seal has been reported for the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Ck 1500/silverado. A plastic bag was picked up on the driveshaft and traveled to the rear end and got into the rear axle seal and all of the rear end oil was lost. The rear end locked up. Could result in a crash and/or loss of control.