Archived US Gear Overdrive Leaking

[MNorgren]

Ok, I just bought this truck and am driving back to VA. I'm in Joliet IL. with a bad leak at the gear box. I've added a quart since picking it up. I don't want to risk burning it up and need it repaired so I can get back on the road. My question is:



Does anyone know of a good repair shop I can take it to in this area?



I left a message with US Gear also.



Thanks, Mike

 

[Loren]

Mike,



I hope this isn't too late. I also hope your problem is the same leak that I have.



My US Gear overdrive is leaking at the gasket where it mounts to the transmission. This is just a regular paper gasket that came with the kit. When I get around to it (probably sometime this winter) I'll drop everything and use RTV silicone sealant to replace that gasket. I've had better luck with silicone sealant than with paper gaskets.



The US Gear overdrive doesn't have oil seals on the shafts at each end. The only thing that encloses the oil are the gaskets between the overdrive unit and the truck's transmission and transfer case.



If yours is leaking from the same place, then any half-way competent mechanic should be able to fix it. You don't say whether your truck is a 4x4 or 4x2, but the fix would only involve removing the driveshaft(s), transfer case (if installed), and US Gear unit. Clean the surfaces, apply the RTV material and reinstall everything. Don't forget to refill the transmission.



I like to wait about 24 hours before filling my differentials when I use RTV sealant, but you may not have time for this. I haven't checked, but I understand that Dodge dealers sell an RTV sealant that cures faster and can be used immediately.



Good luck,

Loren

 

[MNorgren]

Thanks Loren, I have a shop that US Gear recommended that I'm taking it to this morning. I'll keep you posted.

 

[MNorgren]

Well, the Dodge dealer that installed the reman trans left the bolts loose that connect to the overdrive. The shop in Joliet tightened them up and I made it home. There still smaller is a leak, probably because the gasket is damaged now, that I'll fix and know it's done right!