Hello! So I’m helping my in-laws with their 2007 Nitro (4WD, 3.7L). They took it to a repair shop to have it looked at, and they said it has leaks at the front crankshaft seal and the oil pan. I went underneath it with a black light (they put UV dye in the oil), and confirmed that what’s leaking is oil, and I can see it coming from the front crankshaft and the oil pan just like they said. Here’s the slight catch: The oil dipstick shows the oil being completely full, however the vehicle *is* losing transmission fluid. I have no idea why this would be the case.

Their concern is that fixing the seals is going to cost about $1K, and that may not even be what’s really wrong. I was going to replace the seals myself, but that part of the transmission casing that would need to come off in order to get to it intimidates me. What am I getting into if I take that thing off? I’ve done quite a few repairs over the years, but I’ve avoided the inner workings of trannys and engines so far.

 

Pump seal is leaking, have to drop the trans. Or pull the engine. That cover in the first pic. Is just an inspection cover, no gaskets.
I put a clutch in my wife's 08, but it's a 2wd. Exhaust has to come out, front, rear driveshafts, would help to separate the transfer case from the trans, drop the cross member, any wiring, trans. Cooler lines. It's a good days job if everything comes apart ok.