Hey guys I searched and found some differing advise on changing the oil seal on the front differential where the cv and axle go into the diff of the passenger side. I looked at the FSM and couldnt find the exact procedure. One guy said to drop the diff and another said it was as easy as popping the CV off.

I went out for an awesome desert trip a week ago and had to use 4x4 for a good long while. After I came back i noticed a huge pool of red gear oil dripping out. It was leaking a little bit before but only dripping a few drops here and there.

Heres the FSM breakdown. I changed my rear pinion seal a month ago, Im hoping this will be as easy. Any tips?

 

Id pull the whole diff and change both seals, pinion seal, and cover gasket. If I had the time. You know if you change the one seal the others will start leaking soon after.

 

Probably smart to just do both seals at the same time, while you have the diff out. If you've done the rear pinion, it's basically the same procedure - just slightly more difficult because you will likely have to drop the front diff. not sure if you can do it while it's still in the truck with the CV removed, but maybe it's possible.

 

Double check the vent on top to make sure it's not plugged. A frequent cause of leaking seals is a plugged vent causing pressure build up inside the diff.

 

On an IFS truck does the front diff have the same type of breather as the rear? I didnt see one when I looked. My rear breather was clogged bad.

 

Yes it does. It's tucked away up on top of the diff right against the oil pan. Hard to see and to get at. I put a right angle elbow in there and ran a hose up into the engine compartment to get it out of the water and mud on the trails (requires dropping the diff to do this on the front). I still need to do that to my rear diff.

 

I found the breather (dunno how I didn't see it before) and cleaned it. It wasn't clogged I don't think so I guess I'm screwed. Does anyone have a write up/tips for how to drop the front diff and change the seals?

 

Remove the CV's, remove the driveshaft, skid plates, ADD connections if equipped. And drop the front diff. The flanges should pop out with a light tap from a rubber mallet.

 

Hold up. No need to drop the whole diff. It can easily be done in the truck. Those flanges pop right out with some light pry bar action. Plenty of room to work once the CV is out of there.

A bunch of the pics disappeared, but the content is still there. https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...issues-238690/

 

Great! Ill take a look at the FSM and pop out the CV. I was confused by the conflicting info all over the place.