I got a leak at my 3rd member. I changed the rear gear oil and noticed water might have gotten into it. This all happened after a wheeling incident( got stuck. . . Bad) And i think it might be coming from where the drive shaft links up to the 3rd.? I tightened and retightened the bolts around my 3rd but still leaking, and its the oil i just put in. Just burning money, Anybody please tell me what i have to do to get rid of this problem! Reseal 3rd? Get new parts where the driveshaft links up to 3rd? Help! thanks!

 

Sounds like you pinion seal is leaking - mine is too. I looked in my book to see how complicated it would be to resolve it, and it looks like you almost need some special gear pullers to get into it.
I'm kinda hoping to get new 3rds anyway here pretty soon, so I have been procrastinating doing anything about it, but my driveway looks like bunghole.

 

Hey thanks so it would be easier to get a new 3rd with a pinion seal thats new? I just have a limited budget and i dont wanna screw it up anymore, i love my 4Runner!, and dont want it sittin for a few days, or months if i dont have the money.

 

pull the drive shaft get a 30mm socket pull the pinion nut off and then the pinions comes off, then pull the seal reaplace the seal and retourque the nut(very important) dont go to tight either or you will be replaceing the R&P in a month....very easy

 

Thank you so much!! Saves me a bunch!!!!

 

i believe theres a thread about this recently with a link to pics & instructions on the pinion seal replacement