Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) NV4500 leaking at tail - how urgent?

[bnbrown]

It looks like the seal on the tail housing (that last seal before the yoke/u-joint).

I pulled the fill plug and checked the level, it is at probably 1//4" below the fill hole (dang that plug was torqued in there!). I am guessing the seal was damaged when the U-joints went out (could see daylight through them) probably 10k miles ago. My questions are these:

how urgently should I be fixing this... I have a couple more runs to do (1000 mile) and would rather take this truck with our 24' trailer (supposed to leave tomorrow morning).

The other question; is this something I could do myself? I am not a pro... have done VPs, brakes, trans sensors... that kind of thing.

 

[SHobbs]

Mine leaked for a long time maybe a year before I got to it. The underside of the truck paid for it though, alot of oil got slung.



The old seal can be removed with a screw driver or a seal removal tool. The new one just taps back into place just be sure you tap it straight. Put a little oil on the seal so when the yoke ( whatever its called ) on the transmission slides in it won't tear the seal.

 

[bnbrown]

sounds good, doesnt seem like it would leak very much since it isnt pressurized. The underside of this truck is already an oilslick from the blowby...

I have noticed a slight vibration ever since the U-joints went out (they were all replaced, and carrier bearing was checked) it doesnt seem gear or rpm specific, only shows up around 40-55mph. Will keep an eye on the lube level in the transmission till I get around to replacing the seal, probably wont be long.