Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Trans seal at the tail shaft, How hard to replace?

[3dracer]

On my 98'5 automatic transmission, the seal is leaking. Not bad but it always has a drop hanging from it. Is it that hard to replace? What is involved? How much are they? Thanks. .



B. J. Deal

 

[John Berger]

It's not that difficult. I've switched my tailshaft housing out in 45 minutes with no help. It's better if you have somebody help you hold the driveshaft, to keep it from falling on you. I have a 5 speed. My neighbor has a longbed auto. We did his in just under an hour.

 

[Adam]

I've been told it's normal

I had the same thing happen with my '99, both the transmission and the transfer case output seals always had a small drop on the outside, and you could see where the dust would cling to the run-off. Took it to the dealer in Fairbanks (decent service, long wait for parts) and was told the seals are self-lubricating, and it's a normal thing. I never had to add fluid, so the leak couldn't have been too severe. Something to think about.

-Adam

 

[3dracer]

O. K. but, I just now seen it, so it could of been doing this for a while. There is a little bit on the floor pan where it has been slung up. Also you can see some on the fuel tank behind it. ... . Do I need to replace it?

 

[John Berger]

It's up to you, really. My tailshaft housing seal has been replaced 4 times since I owned the truck. I finally decided to do it myself instead of paying DC the labor plus the cost of the seal. The fourth time is the one I put on. The seal looks thicker and has more rubber on it than the previous seals did. That's for a 5 speed. Your seal is smaller. I would change it. You shouldn't have a drip leak. Seepage I could understand, but not a dripping leak. All you will need is an impact wrench or a good socket set with an extension. Undo the four bolts that hold the drive shaft center mount to the frame, and drop the drive shaft down and pull it out of the transmission. Pry the seal out, taking care not to chip or gouge the tailshaft. Be sure the yoke doesn't have a groove cut into it from the old seal. If it does, you may as well go ahead and replace the yoke, because it's only a matter of time before it leaks again. Use blue or black RTV, place seal in tailshaft and re-install the drive shaft and bolt it to the truck. This is not a hard job at all.

 

[3dracer]

will I need to jack the rear-end up only to keep the fluid from running out or will it stay in there?

 

[John Berger]

When I changed the seal in my truck I didn't jack the rear up. I didn't lose any lube. My neighbor's truck is a 98. 5 4x4 auto. We didn't jack his truck up. He lost a couple of drops. If your driveway is level, you should be fine.

 

[3dracer]

I belive I will change it just to be safe. I will also lok at the yoke to see if it is grooved. Thanks... .