Pinion seal leak?

I bought a 96 4x4 a few months ago and noticed that it appears to be slinging oil all over the bottom of the bed.

I’ve never had this issue before but to me it looks like the pinion seal is leaking diff fluid that’s being flung by the driveshaft. I checked the diff fluid and it seems to be at the right level.

Am I on the right track here? Anything else I should look at well I’m in there? Tips / tricks?

 

I replaced mine about a year ago, doing the same thing. I believe OEM is around $20. Pretty easy job, have some sort of punch to push out the detent in the nut and make a mark where it was before loosening it. I followed TimtheToolman's video on Youtube. Very thorough instruction

 

Appreciate it candrews86, I’ll check it out. I love this guys videos

 

Check for a plugged breather vent on the top of the axle housing by unscrewing it. Plugged vents can force oil out the seals.

 

I’ll take a look at this as well. Thanks for the tip

 

I had the same issue a couple years ago, replaced the pinion seal and leak stopped for awhile but came back. I ended up getting a fully assembled diff from east coast gear supply and used that as an excuse to add a locker at that time. I recommend them if you have any other diff needs but hope the pinion seal solves it for you