I am an extreme novice then it comes to auto mechanics and I find I am really liking it. At the same time, I wonder about rushing headlong into repairs.

I have a 1986, rust pocked, 4x4pickup truck, 5 speed with the 22R engine with 90K original miles. I have already replaced the timing chain and all related assemblies due to what turned out to be a dead tensioner that was causing a rattle. It was a major undertaking for this child but it's done. Timed it adjusted valves.... all is well and I have gotten a muscle ache from patting myself on the back. The truck runs like a top.

I was lubricating the zerks on the u-joints and noticed a wetness around the underside of the body that I found was most likely from the output shaft seal. There is no 'drip' as of yet, and in the 1000 miles I've put on it, it has lost perhaps a teaspoon of fluid. The transfer case is full as is the transmission. Thanks to this site I have learned that I need to go to the city to order some parts other than the seal that I picked up locally, which I will do, but I'm wondering if I should be overly worried about getting it done? I hate to drive 65 miles just to get parts that can wait until the next scheduled trip.

I am guessing the answer to my question is probably, "When it really leaks or you can't live with it any more." But not being a mechanic, I'm not sure where this would stand in order of precedence given the slow leakage rate. Any thoughts would be appreciated.~AMMOe

 

Are you sure what you found wasn't grease from the u-joints spinning?

 

As a matter of fact, I'm not certain. I can find no wetness around the actual seal, either, but I was 'advised' that a very slight leak might not?~AMMOe

 

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...r-case-224390/

 

Thanks! Interesting read. As an aside to the thread you pointed me to one of the posters said his seal was metal on metal in the housing. The one I picked up is also the same way.~AMMOe

 

Your welcome, thanks 2 the thread.
I just replaced this seal in my truck a few days ago.