rear end spitting fluid

[scpbmxer01]

I notice that my rear end is leaking fluid where it joins with the drive shaft is there a seal or something in there that could have gone bad? it is just leaking a little bit i can see where it splatters up under the bed its leaving just a little fluid pn the shocks and such. any help would be great.

[superxcrewfx4]

Pinion seal or something.... Thats the name....

[Black&Gold]

yes there is a seal there, if it is leaking bad enough to spin up in the bottom of the bed and get on the shocks it needs to be replaced.

[scpbmxer01]

i am going to do it before I drive it again how complicating is this replacement?

[scpbmxer01]

The diff was also fairly warm could there be a bad berring or something as well?

[Goose350]

Pinion seal

[Wide Right]

Leaking pinion seals are very common on these trucks. I noticed mine was leaking recently. I did a bunch of searching on this site and came to the conclusion that replacing the pinion seal was a job better left to the pros. You've got to get the pre-load just right. Too tight and you'll ruin the bearings. Too loose and the pinion gear will move forward and back. A good mechanic should be able to knock this out in 45 minutes or less. It shouldn't run more than $150.

If you decide to do it yourself, you'll need a new pinion seal and a new crush sleeve. I think Ford also recommends using a new pinion nut. You'll also need an inch-pound beam torque wrench to set the pre-load. BTW, if you set the pre-load too tight, you have to start over again with a new crush sleeve.

The diff should be warm if you've been driving the truck. There is a bearing in there (a couple of them, actually). Once you have the pinion seal out, I think you can get to the front bearing and inspect it. Good luck with it.