possible leak around diff

[jazzyj13]

Hello all,
Took my 01 4.4 in for state inspection today, just a bit of background I've been chasing an oil leak for the past year. New upper and lower ccv gaskets and timing chain gasket installed but still leaking. 2 weeks ago did the oil filter housing and thought that was it but today we noticed some more oil down there, took the plate off and upon poking around my indy guy said it looks like it's coming from the diff. He opened up the bolt to see if the fluid level is low and fluid came pouring out which is odd, I know that oil expands a bit when hot but it shouldn't flow out. He says the front diff axels run right through the oil pan and he seems to think its the seal between the 2 and that oil is seeping into the diff. He put some dye into the oil and I have to go back next week to see if we can pinpoint the leak. Replacing that seal is a pretty big job, the subframe needs to be dropped etc etc etc about 1 1/2 days work. Anyone else hear or experience this issue, many thanks

[X5SND]

While the axle runs "through" the oil pan, it sits in a conduit that runs the width of the pan (i.e, it isn't actually sitting inside the pan where its bathed in motor oil; the 2 are actually separated). Did he mention anything about the oil? The oil in the diff smells distinctly different from motor oil.

[jazzyj13]

Originally Posted by X5SND

While the axle runs "through" the oil pan, it sits in a conduit that runs the width of the pan (i.e, it isn't actually sitting inside the pan where its bathed in motor oil; the 2 are actually separated). Did he mention anything about the oil? The oil in the diff smells distinctly different from motor oil.

No he didn't, and I didn't know to ask, honestly I don't think it smelled bad (I had it on my fingers as well). It was baffeling why the differential was sort of overflowing when they opened up the bolt. There was no wetness above the diff, it could be the oil pan gasket. It makes no sence for a sealed oil pan to be spitting oil into the sealed differential.

BTW your X looks sick. I would love to upgrade my head lights to angel eyes, I've got the straight halogen.

[X5SND]

Thanks! Theres a couple threads/articles on the forum about adding angel eyes to your headlamps.

As far as the diff goes however....I would try to diagnose it further, and certainly NOT agree to 1.5 days worth of work. If all else fails, find someone who knows where/what to look for on these trucks.