Leaky Transfer Case - What to Do

I noticed a slight leak coming from my transfer case after returning from a road trip of about 1500 miles with around 60 miles in 4WD doing some offroading/camping. Is there any way to identify exactly what the issue is and if I can fix it myself, or if I will have to have something done by a shop? I've attached some pics to the thread, but taking clear pictures underneath the truck is always a bit of a challenge.

 

Does look leaky around the drain bolt. Can't see the fill bolt in those pics. Did you check the breather for the diff? If it's plugged up, pressure will build inside the diff when it warms up and fluid will find a way to force itself out of whatever crevice it can find. Axle seals, fill and drain bolts etc.

 

Depends how mechanically inclined you are. Likely as simple as replacing the seal. But getting to that point, and putting it back together, will take some work.

 

Might want to clarify which seal you are referring to. There are several on the front diff. Prop shaft seal, axle seals, case seal, fill or drain plug gasket, or perhaps one of the actuator seals.

 

I thought OP said Transfer Case, not diff?

 

You are correct sir! My bad. So front and rear prop shaft, case seals and actuator seals.

 

I have the breather mod on my differential that runs up into my taillight that I custom-made. Even if it is plugged up somehow, which I can't imagine as it has been less than a year since installing it, does the breather on my rear differential impact my transfer case? heh

 

Breather for the transfer and diff are located near the fire wall in the engine compartment on our first gens I believe

https://www.tundras.com/threads/front-diff-and-trans-breather-location.520/

 

I agree that it does look like it's coming from the drain plug -- which would be super easy to fix if that's the case. Can you take a pic from the front of the transfer case? That would tell you if it's coming from a front seal and migrating back as you drive.

 

Here are some more pictures. I washed the truck today, both the body and underneath. Paid special attention to the transfer case and scrubbed it up to see if it leaks some more and then I can pinpoint where it is coming from. I also double-checked both the breathers for my front diff and transfer case. Both of them look to be okay.

 

So it looks like it's leaking from the front output shaft seal. I had this go out on mine, and it seems to me semi-common in these trucks and 1st gen tacos/ 3rd gen 4runners. Not a terribly difficult job to replace, you do need to drop the front drive shaft. I recommend this Timmy the Toolman video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YuY6rv1hkE

 

That sure looks like it's leaking from the front seal.

 

For years i always wondered what those two dead end hoses were and now I know. Thanks.