Hey yotatech, im starting to develop an issue with my 1997 3rd gen runner, 5spd 4x4... i am losing a large amount of gear oil, ive located where the leak is,and it is between the transmission and the transfer case, but a question that im really curious about is... at the rear output shaft of the transmission is there a seal? or does the transmission and transfer case share oil between them? Ive never been into a 3rd gen before and was wondering if anyone else has or knows of a link to a write up. ive done my lift kit and my head gaskets in my apartment complex parking lot... but is this something i could do by myself?
Thanks for looking...
Newb

 

Yes there is a seal.

No, they do not share oil between them. You need to separate your case from your trans, and replace that seal. Be ready for a shower of gear oil. There should be ZERO gear oil leaking out when you separate them.

Its very easy to do, just unbolt the drivelines and pull the case. Should be simple enough to do in your apartment complex, though most places frown on that.

 

Thanks for the quick reply. I am getting ready for my gear oil bath.

I work at a baxter auto parts store and recently had a customer approach me saying he once owned a 3rd gen 4runner just like mine. He said that Toyota had a recall on 5th gear and it's shaft bc the shaft only received half it's splines. Now I find it hard to believe. This old man swore to it that it would break on me. And it left him stranded on the road, and to take mine in to get it replaced immediately. Has anyone else had this expirence? {I think he's pullin my leg :-)}
Thanks....
Newb