So my father pointed out the fact that my truck had yet another leak. First though: is it still safe to drive as long as I DONT use 4x4?

Thought it was the engine but its not - its my front dif. I popped the filler hole off and stuck my finger in and there is NO oil. Lots of gritty sludge alone the walls but I got nearly half my finger down and didn't hit any oil. I'm trying to find out where it's leaking from but I'm not sure.

Question: I had my front U joint changed about 2 months ago while it was in the shop - could my mechanic have caused a leak by pulling out the driveshaft? I'm not entirely sure how the whole 4x4 mechanism works which is why I'm wondering if when he changed the u joint he broke something else.

I haven't used 4x4 since July 7th so I hope I didn't frig anything up using it with no oil. I don't know how long its been leaking for.

I have the 8.25 Rear axle, and the 205MM front according to my build sheet.

EDIT: Well after further investigation I think it may be just the front dif seal, it's pooling around the bottom.

 

To start fill it back up and start looking for the leak at least you have oil in it.

I dont think they did anything replacing the U-joint make sure your breather is working and is not plugged up

If you have the time remove the cover and inspect it then clean it and put back together

 

Yeah after another look it doesn't look like my mechanic would have did it.

New info - found out my tranny is leaking too hahahaha, red pools of liquid along some of the bolts.

I'm not working tomorrow... I think it's gonna be a day where the truck is on jackstands from 8 am to 8 pm.

son of a bitch.

 

just noticed my trans is leaking a tad first time ever not to happy about that

 

Since I've had this truck I've had nothing but problems - but I guess thats my fault. You have to expect that from a 10 year old truck.

My mechanic loves me I can tell you that.

 

Don't drive the truck with no oil in the front diff. Everything in there still turns when you drive, even if you're in two wheel drive.

 

Thanks Tom,

I'll get a ride to the nearest store and pick up some fluid.

 

Same here. But as you said, after 10 (or 11/almost 12 in my case), things like to hit their failure point.

 

I think I have you all beat 14 years on my Dak.

But I keep her clean and healthy

 

I thought I was getting a deal on my truck, 30,000 miles $4500. I knew the guy though.

I can understand problems with the truck but its so god damn annoying that its just one after the other after the other after the other.

I'm waiting for that point where I can just sit back and enjoy my truck.

Tomorrow I plan on jacking it up and changing the rear diff oil, fixing the leak on the front dif, and isolate where the tranny leak is coming from.

Where is the best place to find the proper oil tho? I'm aware that the differentials take 75w90 and since I have an LSD it will take some additive as well, but online at Canadian Tire they only have one 75w90 gear oil. I'm hoping there will be more once i get to the store but still.

Aside from the mechanical issues, my truck has been chipping and rusting around the wheel wells. I wanted to install a 3 inch body lift but I don't even know if its worth it cause something else is bound to break. Bit of a rant I know but I'm gettin frustrated and would rather take it out on the forums rather my dakota hahahaha.

I plan on buying 2 tubes of rtv for the differentials and tranny pan - I may just change the fluid too since i'm down there.