what causes that, is it b.c of my dumped exhaust?
What problems am i looking at down the road?

2003 4.6 50k 8.8 rear end

 

Patrick why is there no oil towards the wheel or the bottom of the dif cover??

 

b.c its a slow leak, it more or less just got the surface wet of everything. I believe rear end fluid is moderatly thick....

 

Allright!! Ya the fluid is thick.So it's leaking from the dif cover right?? I would just replace fluid and re-seal when you have time. It's not leaking enough to be a major concern IMO. Not really sure if the exhaust is the culprit??

 

Not like any seal leak I've seen. Any chance of an axle tube-housing leak?

Wouldn't think that it's an exhaust turn-down issue.

 

From the front view, this appears it may be an axle tube to center section leak. If so, is the truck still under warranty coverage?

That type of leak is extremely rare.

 

yes thats what it is, but i thought that there was a seal around the axle where it mates to the rear end....

I had 3Y / 36K and im at 4Y / 50K

 

anyone else? any way to repair the leak?

 

that leak is a slow seep between the center carrier section and the axle tube. this can be fixed by a good clean weld around the axle tube where it meets the carrier. also, by doing this it will increase the strength of the axle tube. this isnt pouring out is it? if not, just keep an eye on the fluid level. does'nt look like too much of a leak..
Try searching some 4x4 sites for buildups on the 8.8 axle, you might be suprised at what you find!!

 

yea i started researching a little, it said a small weld and then seal it with epoxy... Didnt think about 4x4 sites thanks!

 

What about some JB Weld?

 

any other thoughts?

 

Clean up the carrier to tube joint with cleaning de-greaser and then wire brush. Mix up some JB weld and work it around the entire joint. Use a rubber glove, JB can burn ya. This should stop the leak very inexpensively. You could re-paint the area and no one would know you were there.
One word of warning. Dumping the exhaust under your truck will cause some corrosion issues. Exhst gases are highly corrosive especially in cold climate. Also the gases could circulate back into your cab and cause health problems. I would route them out to the side just to be safe. If you do that, watch your wheels. Remember the 97 issue with green center caps? Only fix for that is to exit out the back.
Good luck

 

yeah i want to do dumped over the axle now when i get duals.

in a week or two im gonna have a buddy of mine weld it up, then we will epoxy it, then paint