Hey everyone,

I took the truck in today and my leak of tranny fluid does not appear to be coming from the tranny pan . . .

Because of the fluid being in several different areas, the shop was unable to pinpoint the source exactly so they put a dye in the fluid and I have to go back after some driving so they can locate the source of the leak with the black light thing they do. They suspect it is coming from the transfer case extension housing but they just want to be sure when it comes time to do the repair.

This may be a stupid question, but is this a "high-risk" type thing? I was supposed to head out of town this weekend but I'm not sure if I should be driving it on the highway. They said to drive it at least 100-200 km so the dye could leak out and be detected but I'm not sure if I should just cruise it around the city or not. I've got an appointment next week to get it checked out again.

My main concern is having something blow out on the highway and be stuck with a tow bill and/or additional damage. Is this possible if it is just the seal or is this a fairly "common" occurence for these things to leak (old, cracked, etc.)?

Thanks for your help,

97 F-150 EC 4x4 4.6 Auto

 

Hi,
I made 1000 miles having the same thing (extension housing leakage).
You might want to search "extension housing" and/or "gasket" to find more.
Just keep an eye on the fluid level.
Hope that helps,
Alex.

 

Sorry, my mistake...
You have a different thing.
I don't have 4x4 and transfer case...

 

If you're leak isn't big enough to drain all you're fluid you'll be alright. Had same problem assuming what you are calling the extension is what I call the tail stock. I went months with that leak, and it was simple to fix once I got around to it