1996 Tacoma Transfer Case Leak

Hello! Had my truck parked in the shop for a few days and noticed it had a slight leak on the ground, farther inspection showed it was coming from the transfer case. Judging by the spray pattern it looks like its coming from where the front driveshaft is connected, how difficult would that seal be to replace? Where do I fill and drain the transfer case? Thanks.

 

I don't know anything about the seal but as far as draining and filling the transfer case, it's very easy. It's the same process as doing the differentials. There's a drain plug and a fill plug, the drain plug of course would be the lower one.

Make sure you loosen the fill plug first, then the drain plug and let all the oil drain out. I don't remember how much is in the t-case but I'm sure it's less than 2 qts or around there. Once drained, put the drain plug back on tight but do not over-tighten it or you'll strip the threads, which would make an easy job a difficult one very quickly. It's also a good idea to replace the small crush washers that go around both plugs, you can get them at Toyota for cheap or online.

Then, pump the new 75w90 oil in, put the fill plug back on and you're done.

 

Thanks for that info, I was reading through this thread right here (4runner), although I am not sure if they are exactly the same transfer case or not. Here is some pics of the leak, it does appear to be flinging from the driveshaft. I covered everything in PBblaster, and am going to pressure wash it in a few too track it down.


Untitled by skedhead harp, on Flickr

 

That seal is a piece of cake to change. Unbolt the front driveshaft, remove big nut in the center of the yoke. Pull the yoke and the seal is right there.

 

Yeah, I watched a few videos on it. How difficult is it to swap in a new transmission on a automatic 3RZ? The engine was replaced at 180k and the transmission wasn't, and I believe it is at the end of its life. Also, would it be cheaper to buy a rebuilt tranny and put it in, or have a shop rebuilt the tranny for me?

 

Also another thing to mention other then the transfer case, is an issue with the transmission I’m having. The tranny on the truck is a 30-40lE, not sure if that’s original or not. Anyways, since I have gotten the truck I have had issues with it shifting out of Drive. I tried adjusting the linkage, but it did nothing. Sometimes when the truck is at a bad angle in traffic or in a storm drain, or when I need to gas it to shoot a gap, it will just rev instead of go even if it is in drive. Any suggestions? Different fluid?

 

The transfer case leak is from the front output flange seal. Really common and is pretty easy to replace.

 

Your trans is an A340F (also known as a base 30-40LE), super common and they rarely fail especially with such low miles, what have you done to check its health

 

To be honest with you, nothing. I flushed it a few months back, but other then that I haven't done any maintenance or checked for anything. I have a sneeking suspicion it is either motor mounts or the transmission mounts, it usually only happens when the truck is at a weird angle or i give it too much gas. The Shifter feels tight, my next free day I am going to take apart the center console and tighten everything and check for destroyed bushings.