Noob Tcase question

[kablooie]

I have a "small" leak coming from the front of the front drive shaft. I initially thought is was trans fluid leaking onto the shaft, running down it and eventually dripping to the ground. However, it does not appear that way (although I can be wrong as I have not fully gone under the truck to investigate yet).

I'm wondering if the tcase has a leak that is running down the shaft. About a month ago I changed trans fluid/filter and wiped down the shaft. Now it is moist again pretty much the entire length, which leads me to believe it is a seal or something around the rear of the shaft.

I have no experience with tcases, so I need to know what kind of fluid/oil I should use, how do I fill it, how do I check the level (which is now probably low if it has been leaking for the past couple months, lol). What is the expected cost for a tcase rebuild as well??

Thanks for your help!

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

You need to wipe everything down again and then check the next day to see where it is leaking. It sounds like the front output seal (where your front driveshaft connects), which is pretty easy to change.

You have an NP208 t-case, right?

If so, it takes ATF. On the backside of the case there should be two square plugs: one at the top and one at the bottom. To fill the t-case you need to remove the top plug (using a 1/2" or so wrench) and put fluid in there until it starts coming out of the hole.

A rebuild kit (including chain) will probably run $250-300.

 

[obijuan]

my fill and drain plugs are like 1 1/4" plugs. bigguns. but its really easy to do that stuff and atf loves to stain my chlothes.

 

[Bent77]

Also check the yoke. Mine was leaking from behind the nut holding the yoke to the output. I used a new seal for the case and a new seal on the yoke when that didn't stop it.

 

[kablooie]

Also check the yoke. Mine was leaking from behind the nut holding the yoke to the output. I used a new seal for the case and a new seal on the yoke when that didn't stop it.

Huh? Say what? Is there an exploded view or diagram or even photos somewhere?? lol, I am a total visual person and have to SEE it to understand it.
thanks

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

The yoke has splines on it, as does the front output shaft for your transfer case. Sometimes, especially on older cases, fluid can leak out from the splines. Basically, you remove the yoke and put RTV on the splines to keep fluid from running down them.

I doubt that's your problem, but who knows