leaky diff

I took the spare tire out of my truck the other day and noticed that my rear diff was oily. There was dirt and gime on the diff plate and fresh oil puddled/hanging on the bottom of the diff. I asked my brother why and he said that the oil must be getting really hot and is pushing out of the seals. I drive 40 highway miles a day and have 285/75/r16. Do any of you guys have answer for this?

 

Those plugs should be torqued to 36 lbs.

 

Ask your brother how the oil is pushed past the seal on a vented diff.

Get a light and get under there and find out where it is coming from
Drain plug
third member gasket
Pinion seal
Do you have a locker?

If it is not obvious get some parts/brake cleaner and a rag and clean it up and then check again after a day or so.

 

Thanks for the info guys, just noticed a small leak on mine. Time to get the torque wrench out.

Mike

 

Mine started leaking from the drain plug yesterday.