Rear Output Seal Transmission wont stop leaking

I just got on trade a 2009 Tacoma V6 Prerunner, the rear output seal was leaking so I replaced it. Now before I go on this truck has a 6" rough country lift and it looks good but someone did not space the carrier bearing at the correct spacing and used a few spacers and a brass nut to make up space on the carrier bearing, I replaced that with a rough country kit that was recommended. Any how, the drive shaft has a 1.5" spacer at the back last owner told me that was to help with vibrations? So I go to replace the seal and I have to totally unbolt the carrier bearing of course and the rear drive shaft from the rear end so I can get the shaft to pull all the way out of the output shaft. I remove the seal and notice that there are some grooves were someone used a screw driver to remove the seal and dented it up some. I figured that maybe the seal would fill any void. So I out an OEM seal in and topped off the trans fluid. Penned everything up and noticed the next day it was still leaking. Now I used a 1 1/2 pvc to put the seal in and put trans fluid on the edge of the seal so it would go in easier. I drive it in and let it bottom out when tapping. I am not sure if its the screw driver grooves or the output bearing? Any advise would be great. If there is a way to tell of its the bearing bad and or how hard that would be to replace would be wonderful if it is. If its the grooves how would one fix that without replacing the output housing or should I just replace it? I am at a stuck moment and need advise if you all care to give it. Thanks guys!

 

The grooves could be the problem, but due to it being replaced numerous times it does sound like the drive shaft is putting too much angle on the output.

Maybe take a picture of the shaft angle and see if we can get an idea.

Sounds frustrating for sure.

 

I can try to get pictures but it will be a few days before I can get back into taking everything back apart. Storms holding me back I am afraid at the moment. No garage either... The shaft angle should be corrected now with the correct spacers purchased and installed. Just didnt know how to tell if the bearing could be the issue and if so is there a way to tell? Also with the grooves left from the screw driver workmanship done by previous owners would there be a way to fill the grooves and or would it be best to just replace the rear housing? How complicated would that be?

 

The extension housing just unbolts if I recall, there's not much to it.

You could unbolt it and take it to a machine shop for them to repair.

 

That might be what I have to do or if I can find a good used one local I may just do that. I guess while I am at it I could just replace the bearing in the housing while it was out.