Hey fellas,

I am currently driving across the country with my gf in our 87 4Runner. Noticed some oil leaking yesterday and got under the truck to check it out. Looks like the engine builder used a cork gasket on the oil pan and it is seeping a bit, no big deal there Ill just stay on top of the fluid and replace it with the FIPG when I get a chance.

However I also noticed that my front pass side gear shaft oil seal is gone. I can wiggle the shaft about 1/4 inch left-to-right into the diff as well. I assume all the grease/oil that goes under this seal is gone.

I am in St. George, Utah right now and am planning to head to Grand Canyon then back up into Utah to hit up Zion/Moab/All that fun stuff then head to Colorado after that.

I do not have the tools required to drop the diff and replace the oil seal. My question is, how long can I run with this seal blown out? I can hear a slight grinding when I spin the shaft around, sounds like some dirt got up in there and is rubbing where the shaft meets the diff.

I stopped by the stealership here in St. George, Utah to get a dual-stage thermo, figured I would ask them how much to replace it and they quoted me $700! no thanks!

Anyway, Were hitting the road now but I will have my phone with me to check for replies.

You can check out our blog and forum posts here.
www.homeonthehighway.com
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f100.../#post51816078

 

oh this truck has the crappy ass AUTO hubs btw

 

Mine is the same way. Has been for a couple years. I haven't wanted to fix it because I'm going SAS and have just been keeping the fluid topped off. I use my 4x4 as little as possible and it's been fine. My axle moves just like that and I found out that it is actually the carrier inside the differential that is worn out.

 

IMO you have alot of miles in your trip still, I would try to get it fixed ASAP before you're out in the middle of nowhere stranded. Keep bumping this thread, I would HOPE that someone in the area would be willing to lend some tools and space if not even help you get the problem resolved before continuing your trek. If you can't get any help where your at now, maybe contact Scott from addicted off road (he's a member here) and see what he would charge to help you out. He is in colorado.

 

So far so good, been keeping an eye on the diff fluid and it seems OK, going to fix it when I get to a friends house with tools. Was at Grand Canyon yesterday and am Zion nat park right now, this place is nuts

 

Instances like this are why I keep every single tool I use to work on my truck, IN my truck.
Save for a floor jack and a couple other small things that are more convenience items when working in my driveway.

Anyway, good luck. Hope you can get it fixed and get home safely.