Pinhole leak in rear differential

Thanks @eon_blue, hoping it's all good. The mechanic didn't seem too concerned according to the current owner, whose a friend and likely knows as much about trucks as I do lol

 

@eon_blue Originated in California, near-ish to the coast for roughly 5-6 years; then moved to high desert for the remainder.

 

Yeah it's probably rust free then. Unless it was literally near the beach for years, being in the salty ocean air can cause problems. Just check the frame to be safe though because these trucks are notorious for frame rust.

 

I don't believe road salt is used here either.

 

Ok, good to know. I may be imagining this in hindsight, but I thought I spotted some rust on the bumper?? But it's likely just some peeling from sun exposure. I'll ask the owner if there's any known rust.

 

Yeah it's pretty common in sunny/hot climates to see clear coat peeling and fading on these trucks given their age

 

The only lines I can think of near the rear differential are brake lines.
But like others have said, unless we get picture. We can’t help.

I also agree that spending a little bit of money to have a shop check it out before you buy it, beats spending a lot of money after you buy it.

Seriously, it happens a lot. It’s usually “I bought this truck, and now the frame is bad”.
That’s not good, not good at all.

 

Welcome to TW!

Hopefully it’s something as small as the previous owner changed the rear diff oil and didn’t replace the crush washers.