Hi there, Im new to this forum and just recently purchased a 1999 Dodge Durango 4X4. I went off roading with some friends yesterday for the second time out in the desert. I used 4X4 alot but there were some sections i didnt need it so i took it in and out a few times. after i would say 3 hrs of straight 4x4 use we reached the pavement so i took it out of 4x4. a few min down the road i started smelling an awful smell and saw some smoke. after looking around i noticed some oil like stuff by my air filter box. After I towed the durango home i looked and noticed a what seems to be overflow hose with a valve on it (see pic) i removed the protective guard and saw some oil or grease had leaked out of the Diff as well. When i was driving i felt it pulling on the passenger side alot I also noticed if i left in Drive and removed my foot off the brake the truck would not move i would have to give it alot of gas to go. I did a tight turn in the parking lot to get into the trailer and felt the skipping of the front end almost like it was still in 4x4. anyone ever have this happened before ?i read somewhere that the overflow might be clogged ?

 

probably not gonna help but, i didn't even know durango's had front differential

 

You were probably still stuck in 4wd. If you have the full time transfer case it can get stuck in 4wd sometimes, so you have to put it back to 2wd and drive backwards while turning the wheels back and forth to get it out, or I think some people say you can put it and the transmission in neutral to get it out.

 

I have a feeling your right.. When I took it off the trailer it seemed fine like it asmt in 4x4 Anymore.i just took the cover off and drained the gear oil it's black and smells awful .. It dosnt to have any damage in there the gears look good. Hoping changing the fluid and making sure it not in 4x4 anymore might do the truck. I'm getting one of those aftermarket overflow bottles in case this happens again it made a mess in the engine compartment. Thanks for the help.

 

Yeah, the nv242 transfer case can be cranky when getting it out of 4wd, but pretty much everyone says it's just a small inconvenience to deal with. I'm still looking to swap out my part time nv231 with a nv242 some day down the road.

 

Yeah I'm not sure which one I have but it has the stick down below that you can move to 2H or 4H and the low gears 4N or 4L when I switched it from 4H the indicator light went out meaning it was back in 2H I assume. When I drained it it only had about 1quart of fluid.i guessing maybe it was low in fluid and being stuck causes to overheat and spew out of the breather. Silicone is setting overnight hopefully I can test it tomorrow and all will be fine.

 

You have the nv231 then. Usually it doesn't have any issues, but I'm guessing it was still probably stuck then.

 

well i put the new gear oil in and took her for a spin....no leaks and no spew out of the overflow stem.....wooohooo...shes ready for the desert again..haha...thanks for the help everyone....until next time ..

 

It's easy to tell if it's dis/engaging properly with a NP231. With it just sitting in the garage in Park, jack up one front tire. If it can spin by hand, it's in 2WD, if it can not it's in 4WD. Play with the lever to see if it is swapping properly.

 

found this which was a fluke

Dodge Trucks May Weep Differential Tears

By Ed Dorowski and Jeff Webster


Certain four-wheel-drive Dodge vehicles may exhibit differential gear lubricant weeping from the front differential vent. This technical tip involves installing a differential canister vent in the front differential vent hose.

Applicable Models
1997-1999 Dakota 4X4
1998-1999 Durango 4X4

Parts Required
Front differential vent canister – P/N 05016306AA
80W-90 gear oil – Mopar P/N 04874468

Diagnosis
Inspect the front differential vent for signs of differential gear lubricant weeping from the vent. If differential gear lubricant is weeping from the front differential vent, perform the repair procedure.

Repair Procedure
1. Open the hood and locate the front differential vent hose. The hose is located to the right of the radiator (Figure 1).

2. Place a mark on the front differential vent hose eight inches (203 mm) from the top of the vent, then cut the hose at the mark (Figure 1).

3. Place a mark on the front differential vent hose 3.5 inches (89 mm) from the top of the vent, then cut the hose at the mark and discard the cut section of hose (Figure 1).

4. Slide one of the nipples of the front differential vent canister onto the lower section of the hose remaining in the vehicle. Make sure the vent hose is pushed completely onto the nipple of the canister by ensuring the hose is over the last barb.

5. Insert the top section of the differential vent hose onto the remaining nipple of the front differential vent canister. Make sure the vent hose is pushed completely onto the nipple of the canister by ensuring the hose is over the last barb.

6. Inspect the level of the front differential lubricant. Fill the differential with SAE 80W-90 gear lubricant.

ED DOROWSKI has 19 years of domestic and import dealership and independent shop experience as a service consultant, ASE-certified Master Technician, Nissan-certified Master Technician and California Smog Test & Repair Technician.