Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) ATF Leak Between Transmission and Transfer Case

[Ram_Kowboy]

The mighty Ram has developed an ATF leak between the Automatic Transmission and the Transfer Case. Checked the fluid level of the transfer case..... full. Checked the transmission..... low.



After doing a search through the discussion forums, I am thinking the transmission output shaft seal is bad. Doesn't look like too bad of a job. Drop both drivelines, un-bolt 6 bolts between transmission and transfer case, slide transfer case back off the transmission and replace seal.



Has anyone had some experience with this? Am I going to run into any surprises? Is there an aftermarket seal available?



Comments Please

RK

 

[parcher]

Process is as you describe. Shouldn't be any surprises. Aftermarket seals are available, don't know part numbers.

 

[SOOT]

Pretty straight forward just like you said. If you are not a big guy ( very Strong ) get some help to lift the T-case it weighs about 60-70 lbs.

 

[Ram_Kowboy]

Thanks Guys... ...



It's my Saturday project.



RK

 

[rujpn2]

It is just like you said. I have done this repair on my Jeep a few times. Would suggest to get a seal puller. Best $5 I ever spent. When the first one started leaking, I fought for what seemed like an hour to pull the seal. A friend recommended that I get the seal puller. I did when the leak started again. The puller popped the seal out of ther in a matter of seconds.



Check your vent tube for the transmission. It might be clogged causing the transmission to build up so much pressure that it is blowing the seal. Never mind, I do not think the autos have a vent tube. The Jeep is a manual and it seems some mud found its way into the vent tube.

 

[RPainter]

transmission leaking again

Just looked under the truck today and what do I see but the dam leak again. looks to come from the seal were the yoke goes in. This will be the 4th one in 6 months. I don't hot rod, barely use 4 wheel drive and haven't pulled a thing with it yet. Any suggestions short of getting rid of it and going to chevy?

thanks

Randy

 

[Rob Thomas]

Randy,



Replacing the seals won't fix it (as you can see), you'll either need a new yoke, or see if there is a Speedy-sleeve kit available for it.





Rob

 

[GFoley]

BEFORE you pull it apart, WAIT!



Reach up on top of the tail shaft housing and feel around for the plug up there. It looks like a plug from the backing plate on the drum brakes but larger. Clean it off real good, pull the plug out, apply a bit of black silicine sealer and reinstall it. Clean the whole place off and see if it leaks any more. I didn't have any more leaks. I was desperate and the dealer was the closest. This was about $40. 00. My NAPA guy was willing to look it up for me a week later but I didn't want my feelings hurt any more. I wasbuying axle seals then instead of at the dealer.

 

[MPalachuk]

Ram_kowboy I don't beleive there is a seal on the back of an auto 4x4 trans. Jusk a gasket between trans and transfer.



RPainter check to make sure the vent system is not plugged. Also as stated check the condition of the yoke seal area.

 

[RPainter]

transmission leak

Thanks for the replies. I think its coming from that yoke again but will do what was suggested first an see what I find. As for the sleeve, were would I get that from if that is the problem?

Thanks again for the help

Randy

 

[98rammer]

looks like mine's doing it seems to be that the output shaft seal is leaking... . transfer case is full.



is there anything that causes that seal to break? it seems to have happened after using 4wd one weekend. did the transfer case cock itself while shifting into 4wd to cause the seal to break or what...



Tom

 

[inarush76]

Some good replies. Check for plug on top of extension housing as stated. If leak IS at seal, it may require a new extension housing bushing to FIX. The thrust angle on the rear shaft tends to push against the top of the bushing as the driveshaft moves forward and pulls against the bottom as it moves to the rear with suspension movement. Yoke usually appears and is fine, just too much clearance between bushing and yoke allowing small gap to open allowing leak. If you have the 241DHD with the plug on top of the housing, it is a pain to get the housing off with transfer case in truck as there is a snap ring under the plug which rides in a groove in the output bearing which must be spread to remove housing. Bushings can be hard to locate as not all suppliers carry them or the seal with the dust boot. I try to keep one of each on hand.

HTH

James

 

[Jim Brewer]

I know I'm replying to a VERY old thread, but I just started having this problem as well. I have about 177K miles on my truck and have the trans in my sig.

The symptoms are that I started seeing a bunch of trans fluid under the truck while parked in my sloping driveway. If I park with the front end higher, it leaks constantly - even after being parked for >1 week. If I park with the front end lower, it doesn't leak at all.

I got under the truck and wiped the area down pretty well. The trans and transfer cases were completely dry on top and on their sides but there was a constant drip coming out of the area pointed to in the pic below. I *think* this is a weep hole.

#ad


I checked the fluid level in the transfer case and it's right at the top. I can't tell if the trans has leaked much since it holds a ton of fluid (I have the Mag HyTech deep sump).

Given that it leaks with the rear of the trans lower than the front, I suspect the rear transmission seal is leaking. Does anyone else have an opinion? #ad

 

[BEE]

Well I'll reply to this even older thread! It looks like this thread is actually talking about two different leaks... one from the output of the transfer case and one between the overdrive unit and the input side of the transfer case. I just noticed that I have the same leak as the original poster (RK) and Jim Brewer. Did anyone determine for sure that changing the output shaft seal fixes the problem? Mine truck just turned 125K miles... is this normal wear and tear, or should I be looking for other things that may have caused the seal to start leaking.

Here's another link about the problem that also gives the part number for the seal.

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...21-47RE-to-transfer-case-leak&highlight=19211

Thanks in advance, Bruce
2001 3500 4x4 Quad Cab