The front diff on my 94 Gen II SR developed a leak after my last 4 wheeling trip. The pinion seal was replaced but the leak still persists. I found donor vehicle but it is 96. Is 96 front diff a compatible with a 94 Montero.

Thanks,
~ Jon

if its an SR...yes. not sure if its not.


there are 2 SRs down here. i think a front diff is around 80 bucks....+ my time

Where it leaks from? Pinion seal still (beg a question how well was it done)? How bad is the leak? 96 would do but I would figure out what's going on with current setup.

Did you do the work? Or did you have a shop do the work? Was the pinion seal the source of the leak to begin with? It's unclear from your original statement. Assumed, but still unclear.

It should fit if its from an SR and has the same gear ratio <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Thanks Guys for the responses.

The diff is leaking behind where the driveshaft coming from the back of the truck attaches. Here's a pic Considering, the location it seemed reasonable that the seal was leaking. But can not say for certain that the seal is the source of the leak. The leak is substantial. Oil running down the frame and driveshaft after just a couple miles of driving.

I pulled the diff myself and took it to a shop. I ask them to replace the seal and that is all they did. I took the diff back the shop. Well, we all know what they said <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> They also said there is some play in shaft that goes through the seal and that might be the problem. When asked to troubleshoot, they said no. So, do I trust their work? Nice bunch of guys but probably won't be go back.

I called a couple gear shops but could not find anyone who has actually worked on a Montero. After my first experience, I'm a bit gun shy about going to another shop. When I saw the 96 Montero come up on Craiglist, I said here's the easy way out.

I'd prefer to fix what I have but the truck has been out of commission for over a month and its my daily ride.

Thanks,

~ Jon

The pinion seal is one of the easiest problems to fix you don't even have to remove the third member. Just drain the diff, take off the driveshaft, remove the big nut and yoke then pry out the seal. Put in new seal, replace yoke attach and torque the big nut put driveshaft back on and fill with oil. Done. Last one I did took all of 30 minutes and $9.00 for the seal.

You know judging by this pic http://picasaweb.google.com/isawanderer/Vehicles#5303593274007298642 and this http://picasaweb.google.com/isawanderer/Vehicles#5303593179787613682 how only one side of diff is wet I'd suspect the half-shaft seal leaking. If not originally you could have damaged it when removing the diff.

Are you sure that is not engine oil getting on the diff?

The picture is deceiving. While driving the oil leaks onto the driveshaft. The spin of the shaft is throwing most of the oil towards the drive side of the truck. I hear you about damaging the seals though. When I dropped it the second time, I noticed the passenger seal was damaged. Pretty sure, I caused that <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> Live and learn

Old Colt - When I first saw the leak my initial thought was - engine. Then I noticed the smell it was definitely the burnt tranny fluid kind of smell. After I dropped the diff did take some time to inspect the bottom of the engine. It was dry.

Anyone know how much play the shaft coming out of the back of the diff should have? It does move a little bit.

VR4 - Thanks for the offer. If ever get the Montero going again. Will be heading down to south to the Alvord/Steens area for 4 days in July - camping and wheelin. We should try to catch up if possible.

Thanks guys,

~ Jon