I sprung a leak!!! Front Differential That Is and need help!!!

I need some advice and thoughts from the TW family. I don't know whether to take my truck into the dealer or DIY. I am not an idiot when it comes to trucks but I am certainly no mechanic. That being said here is my problem.

Well after 48,000 miles on my 05' DC V6 I have my first problem. On Wednesday I noticed 2 spots of oil under the front of my truck. One was about 4 inches in diameter and the other was about twice that (8"). I must have moved my truck which caused the second spot. I moved the truck to make a new spot so I could get an idea of how fast the leak is. After 24 hrs it made a spot about 3" x 4".



The wife and I commute/work together so the truck sits parked for the most part during the week. Meaning that the oil is cool which should be slowing the leak down. I am thinking the 8" spot is probably from me running it up to the store and heating up the oil.

The oil appears to be coming from the front differential oil seal (drivers side).







I briefly looked through the service manual yesterday and was going to see what was involved in DIY. And how much oil the diff holds to get an idea of what I may have left!!!

I will call the dealer today and see if I can get an over the phone quote. That will partially make my decision.

So here are my questions:
1. Is it the oil seal? As I said I am no mechanic.

2. How long will it hold?

3. Should a novice attempt this? Not even sure if I have the tools.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

 

You have any idea of what dealer install should run? I will call 2 to get quotes. Thanks!

 

your truck has a 5yr/60000 powertrain warranty doesn't it? Shouldn't this be covered since you're within those?

 

Yes thanks! I was just reading through my warrenty and came across powertrain, 5yr. 60,000 mile. I was thinking of the basic 3yr. 36,000. So it should be covered. I have a revtech lift that was installed by the dealer. I have a different dealer that is closer to me that I would like to use. Do y'all think they will give me any problems because of the aftermarket install?

 

I doubt it, wouldnt think that it would be an issue, especially if they installed it. If they say anything just make sure you say that they were the ones that did it. My dealer out here will even warranty a truck with a 6" lift if they or another shop they work with installed it.

 

Thanks Guys!!! I appreciate the input.

 

Just had a similar problem with a leak around the seal where the DS CV shaft goes into the front diff. I have 45K and it was covered under powertrain warranty which is 5yr/60,000. This repair should not cost you anything! Dont let them pull that #$%* on you. Tell them to pack sand and go to another stealership.

 

Just called and will drop it off Monday for the warrenty work. For some reason I was thinking that the 3yr., 36,000 covered everything. I guess because this is my first problem with my truck.....I never really looked deeper.

 

I have this exact same problem... is this caused by the lift? I'm assuming so, if not I'm taking it to the dealer on tuesday. Any new info?

I want to get this under warranty, but can anyone tell me if this is definitely caused by my lift?

I have to drive to Reno this weekend... will this be a problem... the mech at the dealer said I'd be ok...

oh I have 20,500 mi on the truck with a 3" lift

 

bump

 

^good, would it be a big deal to drive on it... I have to goto Reno, 300mi from here.

 

thanks... drove to reno, came back got it fixed under waranty... no problems

 

Ok, well I have this same problem, but the only problem is I have aftermaket CV's so I am going to assume warranty work is out of the question? Where aside from the dealer could I find these oil seals?

 

Bump

 

If you fellers are all having seal problems make sure you get them changed out or keep a real close eye on your diff fluid. Mine had two seals go at the same time on a long trip just before Christmas and the front diff overheated and they had to put a completely new front diff in. $2047 Canadian for the diff alone. Covered under warranty. Crisis averted!!