How to fix a transfer case oil leak, Dodge Ram

[@DJDevon3]

I'm glad I don't have RWD. Those rear differentials and shafts look like a pain to work with. You make it look easy and I learned a lot. Thanks for taking the time to show what all the parts are so that I could follow along easier. You make accommodations in this video for people of all skill levels. Superb level of detail.

[@TheBlueEngineer]

You're the only one on youtube that shows how to do the input seal. You're a god

[@daleslover2771]

Just came across this from a U tube short, I own a 77 Dodge Apache Class C 22' motor home, 77 000 miles was a factory modified to a 4×4 frame, been sitting for 7 years, notice a tranny leak under it, Really notice it leaking when I put it thru the 4 wheel drive select. I believe your video answered the problem, cant say thank you enough.

[@WarmMyHeart]

Love how thorough and meticulous you are, and the clarity in your communication and articulation makes it very easy to listen and follow your instruction. Great videos.

[@brolicdabrave]

I finally did this fix on my 98 Dakota with a 44re transmission and a 231HD transfer case. I couldn't have done it without the video! made it a lot easier. I can say that I have a automatic transmission and a manual 4 wheel drive. I disassembled the 4 wheel drive shift area to reach the top two nuts and was a lot easier then trying to fish a ratchet/wrench up there, other then that it was an identical job. I have yet to fill it with fluid though. It was late and I was struggling with getting the cross support back in place so I called it a day. Thanks a lot for the helpful video!

[@spelunkerd]

Thanks for recording your results here, I'm glad it worked out!

[@spelunkerd]

Knowing your automotive experience, I'm humbled by your kind remark. Thank you!

[@myRatchets]

Nicely done, looks like a fairly big project! That transmission jack is life saver for sure, I cant even imagine working without it. Keep the videos coming, Cheers!

[@spelunkerd]

Hey, thanks for stopping by. Your vids are always worth a look.

[@spelunkerd]

Thank you, Steve. It was fun to do. I'm just finishing the band adjustment video, it should be out this weekend.

[@animeweeb8241]

Amazing job in both videos! Perfect how you take the time to stop and identify other related parts and their locations. There are not very many videos out there that demonstrate a good and proper repair like you have just done. The way you walk through how and why your doing what your showing is extremely helpful along with the suggestion of what other repairs and adjustments you can tackle while doing this specific repair. Get clarity and description along with tool identification. Perfect video! You really nailed it and gave me the knowledge to attempt this same repair with my Dodge Ram. I have to say you did Mopar proud!

[@spelunkerd]

What a kind remark, it is so gratifying to hear that my effort was worthwhile. Thanks!

[@paulywantscrackers]

Very thorough job describing every little detail on how everything is supposed to work, I have a 97 1500 and you have helped me tremendously.... ty

[@spelunkerd]

Thanks for the feedback. If I had to do it again I would be a lot faster, but that crossmember would likely still be a problem.

[@manuelibarra9076]

Excellent video do you know if it will be pretty similar for a 68rfe transmission?

[@spelunkerd]

It's back on now and it doesn't seem to be having any problem. Your thoughts are worth considering, I'll look into it. Thank you for your feedback.

[@shonieb290]

Thank you so much on sharing the bolt sizes and all the information. Without you I would totally be lost. Great videos, I watched pt.1 as well.

[@spelunkerd]

Thanks!

[@michaelthomas788]

Especially Chevy because the crossmember on a Chevy does not come out so you've got a remove it and then pitch it down and bring it out so the Jack you cannot use it gets in the way must do by hand

[@ericlance3357]

Really good and detailed video. My t.case also needs seals. My 12v Ram 2500 diesel is leaking. I have some up/down movement at the juncture between the front shaft and the t.case. At the t.case how much shaft movement is acceptable

[@spelunkerd]

Good question, I'm not sure. Mine didn't move much at all.

[@ericlance3357]

@@spelunkerd Ok thanks for the reply. I'm taking my truck in on Wednesday for seals. I'll let you know if it's a waste of time. Hope it works as the other option is very expensive.

[@spelunkerd]

That's very kind feedback, thank you.

[@Christian.jsf1]

Awesome details. Thanks for the in depth vid!

[@smitty4699]

was the seal you pulled out of the transfer case adapter, a double lip seal as well?

[@spelunkerd]

Honestly, anything not seen in the video is hard to recall. That said, I believe it was single sided.

[@NAHAAFB]

You may also want to install a Gilly's transfer case saver. It replaces the snap ring on the output shaft of the transfer case. These snap rings have a tendency to break, causing you transfer case to eat itself for lunch.

[@SSMan-jo6tf]

I especially enjoy the videos regarding your Dodge, I have one and have watched many of your videos in preparation for my repairs. Thank you for making these informative DIY videos!

[@spelunkerd]

Thank you, Justin. I made a playlist on my channel focusing on the Ram for guys like you. It's also an ideal platform to show basic design, and with lots of room in the engine compartment it is usually easy to find things. Some time later this year I plan to do more with the labscope and the various sensors on that engine. Thanks for watching! Dave

[@mxfreaks]

Sorry if you mentioned it but what year was this? I have to do this on a 2005 Dakota, will it be the same or very close?

[@spelunkerd]

This one was a 1998. For specific details of a vehicle, I use alldatadiy, for about $50/5 years. Better than Haynes because there's more detail and it includes technical service bulletins and recall info, updated info compared to paper manuals. Yours is likely similar, but I don't know.

[@mxfreaks]

@@spelunkerd thanks for the tip!

[@AGuysGarage]

thanks for the video. I find your videos very insightful and to the point. Keep on making them and i will keep on watching.

[@ramoncantu5794]

This video is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you

[@spelunkerd]

You're welcome. This video is ten years old, it is nice to see that somebody still finds it useful. I still drive this truck, ha ha.

[@marcosfabioealinegarcia3298]

I'm from Brazil, my cherokee with same problem, bought the two retainers, my doubt is if I put glue between boxes? It seems that you did not put. Thank you so much.

[@spelunkerd]

No glue. You want to be certain that the little weep hole is open, so leaking oil will drain out and give you an early warning. Good luck!

[@marcosfabioealinegarcia3298]

Thank you, you helped me a lot.

[@cducloseille5272]

Hey, hello this is very very good information about how to properly remove and install seals on. My qwestion is what kind of dodge are you working on? I Have a 01 Dodge ram Diesel, Auto 4x4. Was this the same? or 2500?

[@spelunkerd]

+Chey Dducloseille The vehicle shown is a 1998 4X4 Dodge Ram. The transfer case shown is the 231 HD, and you can identify which one is yours by looking a the sticker affixed to the case. It's hard to find, look from below with a mirror or a camera just above the output shaft. Some of these have a circular metal id tag but I believe all the new models use id stickers. Or, if that doesn't help you can take your VIN to a dealer and he'll tell you which case you have.

[@cducloseille5272]

Yeah I got 241dhd

[@cducloseille5272]

Thank you friend! I got the output and input seal.

[@spelunkerd]

+Chey Dducloseille You're welcome, good luck!

[@spelunkerd]

Thanks, I appreciate your kind thoughts. Actually I was thinking the opposite about front wheel drive, how difficult it must be to work with such little space and the added complexity of a power axle that steers (grin).

[@lugnuttjenkins2813]

spelunkerd I have a question about the extension housing of the same 2000 46re transmission 4x4. How to remove the extension housing to replace ut

[@slant6guy]

As always, a good source of 2nd Gen. Dodge RAM maintenance from you, sir. If this action is ever needed on the '98 RAM 1500 4x4 here, will keep in mind what was seen here as is good info to know as you have the same year truck as I. Thanx for the great vid as it hold up 6-1/2+ years later in June 2020 = SUBSCRIBED!

[@Rook101]

Great videos. Very helpful. My 98 durango has had a leak toward the rear of the transmission and I'm about to be replacing these seals I believe.

[@spelunkerd]

Thanks, I'm glad it helped. Without a lift this is a physically challenging repair, but fun to do if you don't mind getting dirty, ha ha.

[@Rook101]

spelunkerd not at all haha i just rebuilt the engine within 10 miles.. now im chasing all the other demons under the hood. It's been a job!

[@jeepgarage]

Thanks this helpfull vid, not an easy job to do and film at same time

[@spelunkerd]

Thanks!

[@may03LT]

Your content is too thorough and too detailed to be amateur. You do a very good job.

[@djtren63]

Great video, I have a 2003 dodge durango w a nv244D, which the case cracked about 12inches on the back half. The vehicle wouldn't move just clattered and clunked. Coludn't find a reasonable priced one. Was told that the nv233D would fit. well It lined up. except for about a 1/2 of inch both are 23 spline. you have any ideas what I should do?

[@spelunkerd]

+djtren63 Sorry, I don't know. Perhaps a different prop shaft to make up the difference?

[@anthonyruby7310]

Great video

[@ericrudy2504]

I'll be doing mine very soon, very informative. Thank you!

[@ManicMechanic007]

Big job. Excellent video and narrative. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@cq61313]

wow.... thanks ... you have the patience of a Saint

[@spelunkerd]

Oh, thank you!

[@mquigglez2417]

Ive changed a few transmissions and t cases in my day but never had to replace seals and my sisters blazer is leaking from that spot between the case and transmission and well i gotta fix it so even though this wasnt a blazer they are basically the same set up . So thank you for this video its definitely very helpful .

[@spelunkerd]

Good luck, Mike. It's pretty straight forward.

[@hippoears]

Thank you for giving me hope for my truck. Seems its one thing after another but now I see some sweat equity and my 99 ram will be in business fairly cheap. Cheers

[@spelunkerd]

You're welcome, thanks for the feedback.

[@spelunkerd]

A little early but it is dry now. Thanks for watching, Terry.

[@wadeohms714]

I had a question about the rear main seal. I'm not sure what it is but my Dodge Dakota is shifting clunky.

[@spelunkerd]

Likely unrelated to the seal, though if the seal is bad it would be fixed at the same time.

[@bullrambler]

Thanks for sharing your video I would have never known that there was that metal guard surrounding the top bolt. Interesting how you removed it and decided to reverse it when you re-installed the top nut. I trust it still serves to have wires or connections re-established as required.

[@spelunkerd]

Hey man, thanks for watching my videos. It's nice to know somebody cares enough to offer friendly commentary.

[@RegularGuysOutdoors]

thank you, great video here, I need to do this on a 99 Dakota

[@spelunkerd]

A few hours, broken up because I needed a trip to my favorite parts guy. Thanks for your feedback, I know what you mean.

[@catfish252]

Nice job, great explanations. I appreciate your efforts.

[@spelunkerd]

Thanks!

[@christopherlucchesi4010]

Do you know if the part number you provide for the seals will work on a NP241LDL?

[@RAM-2500]

Is the transfer case from Grand Sheroki on Dodge Ram suitable?

[@spelunkerd]

Sorry, I don't know. You need to pay attention to the spline count on these, the slip sleeve connections are not standardized so spline counts may vary and be completely incompatible. A dealer would have more specific info.

[@SanDragoon]

Thanks and Respect for your Job !

[@fittedproductions]

I have a 1999 ram 1500 that has this same problem do you remember the part numbers for these seals

[@spelunkerd]

I used generic bearings rather than OEM, so part numbers were different. Your parts store is your friend, they'll get the numbers for you, anything not in the video or description is lost. Good luck!

[@fittedproductions]

Thanks you...great video

[@marcosfabioealinegarcia3298]

Dear friend, it will not glue between the transmission and the transfer case?

[@spelunkerd]

No glue there, not even sealant. After all, with the weep hole at the bottom, it is designed to leak. You don't want to muck it up with something that will just have to be scraped off by the next guy. And by having a hole that leaks when there is a problem, you get a more accurate early warning if there is a problem.

[@edwardcordero650]

Great job What were them part numbers. It look kinda blurry and couldn't see the numbers on both boxes. I'm have the same trouble on both seals. My truck is also a dodge 2500 ram 4×4

[@spelunkerd]

If you do a full computer screen on the timestamp of 5:20, the NAPA SKF part numbers are 19255 and 19211 for my exact truck. All I did was go to NAPA and they looked up the parts for me. Alternatively if you want OEM parts the dealer could look that up for you by using the VIN.

[@bigblockchevy409]

I get to remove the same setup on my 98 Durango, only issue is, I have to remove them together due to the overdrive housing being broken in half. Any pointers?

[@spelunkerd]

+AF Parka Just the usual things, be ready for it to take longer than you anticipate. Experience has told me that a big part of any repair like to this is to go into it with the right attitude. However in the heat of the moment, it's easy to lose sight of the calm Zen perspective you want, ha ha.

[@brolicdabrave]

Great Video, I have a 98 dodge dakota that is leaking in the same area, although I don't know whether its coming from the transmission-transfer case seals or the transfer case seam because there is atf there as well. I might as well split the transfer case and do that gasket as well. Have you done one of those before? are there any compressed springs I should watch out for? again great video now I know what to expect in the near future.

[@spelunkerd]

Splitting the case may be harder than you think. I did that on my chev suburban -- it's shown on my channel. In your case I would do what I did in this video. ATF spills everywhere with this leak, and gravity will pull fluid down to the lowest point. Good luck!

[@brolicdabrave]

spelunkerd Thanks for the insight, I'll leave that alone for now, I checked the fluid in the transfer case and it is fine, I changed it 3 months ago and doesn't look to have moved. That would rule out that gasket. Thanks again

[@SpartanDrone1]

@spelunkerd what do you call the green seal you got out ive tried and tried and tried and i cant seem to get the right part and my dumbass threw the old one away any help you can give would be great.

[@spelunkerd]

+Joe Sell Sorry, it's been so long that any info I have will be embedded in the video. If you need more detail, I would reach for the dealer repair manual. I use alldatadiy, but Mitchell sell a similar product. Of course a parts dealer should be able to get it for you, but I like to look up those details for myself.

[@SpartanDrone1]

+spelunkerd well I went to Napa and I got the 2 parts you got I finally figured out the second part number and put it on so come Monday I'm putting back up my transfer case did it solve your problem in the end

[@SpartanDrone1]

+spelunkerd thankyou so much for the video though otherwise my truck wouldn't be fixed for a long long while this was very helpful

[@mikefitzryk1871]

Thanks for the great video. Respect and a salute to you.

[@spelunkerd]

+Mike Fitzryk I appreciate the feedback, thanks.

[@mikefitzryk1871]

👋

[@edwardjames1369]

thanks

[@Fredmtnman]

I have a 1999 1 ton Dodge 5-9 with 86,000 miles had to replace the speed sensor on the outside the transmission and after that it seems like it's been downhill from there with automatic trans replace tail shaft seal on a transfer case was leaking decided to replace the rear seal on transmission was not leaking now it leaking through the weep hole and it hasn't been two months since we did the repairs I'm at a loss for the reason why it failed so soon trucks rarely driven any suggestions we did an upgrade on seals supposably

[@spelunkerd]

Fredmtnman Not sure. Maybe watch it for a bit and think about getting a different brand seal. If fluids are overfilled you can sometimes get more leaking. I suppose the bearings could be going, causing a wobble, but that seems unlikely. When you get it apart it may be clear whether the leak is coming from the transmission or the transfer case. That spot where I put RTV may be the source.... If you're not sure, you could put some UV dye into the transfer case and see if it leaks out the weep hole.

[@scorpian069]

spelunkerd btbkqeqth fbnrbrtabrrqeabrabqnuhtytygy

[@garyredmond1118]

I have a 2000 ram Im thinking about replacing pan gasket & the service manual says to remove left engine to transmission strut...I been trying to find a pict of this altho I could prob get up under there and see the thing. just wanted to make sure what it looked like.

[@spelunkerd]

I've never done that in the Ram. Have you checked the dealers manual? Alldata or Mitchell offer a pretty good deal for diy guys like me. Good luck!

[@mindyrajkumar5102]

hi I just watch both parts of your video I have a Toyota Land cruiser 1999 model and it have a leak between the transmission and the transfer case is it the same procedure. could u send me the parts numbers for the seals please

[@spelunkerd]

+Mindy Rajkumar You'll have to do that research yourself. The best place to start is with an electronic copy of the dealer repair manual, which is available in various places. I prefer Alldatadiy but Mitchells offers a similar product, usually for about $30-50 for a 5 year subscription. You could also go through the dealer, and if you walk into a dealer store they could sell you the correct parts. But to get their original copy of the dealer repair manual you would pay much more.

[@spelunkerd]

Thank you, that's kind.

[@RICKAFIX]

Spelunkerd Nice Job cool video.. How long did it take you to install? If I ever have to do another transfer case... I am definitely buying a transmission stand!!!! lol

[@joshuaspradlin7698]

Just wondering, if you did this job for some one else. How much would you charge?

[@justenbertrand]

Extremely helpful thank you sir !

[@montanamedrano4118]

What do you torque the bolts to in the seal plate?

[@spelunkerd]

I don't recall using a torque wrench for those, but if I did then the detail should be in the video. For people who like to follow factory specs, the dealers manual have all the details. I use alldatadiy. Remember that factory specs assume clean threads and new bolts, so old or corroded bolts may behave differently. Threadlocker would be wise.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Great job..Thank you.

[@spelunkerd]

Thanks, man!

[@RamLyfe]

Is the adapter housing that goes on the transmission hollow

[@spelunkerd]

Yes, as shown.

[@RamLyfe]

So the adapter just bolts on to the tranny and over the spline

[@SteveRobReviews]

well done !!

[@garrettstotts6884]

you are a life saver

[@spelunkerd]

+Garrett Stotts Ha ha, it's been a while since I did any life saving, but yesterday I discovered a running car with absolutely no oil on the dipstick. Fortunately the engine had not seized. I don't think my friend understood what was about to happen. Thanks for the vote of confidence.

[@chrislyles2443]

What an awesome well done video. Thanks so much.

[@spelunkerd]

What a kind remark, thank you. The truck is still going strong, even today.

[@ktanner11]

on my 99 dakota the rear of the t;-case imploded going down road getting that mother fer off was a whole 2 days it came off in pieces after heat dead blow and everythin else failed

[@jimmest1016]

How did you put the crossmember back in ? Good Video

[@spelunkerd]

With a hammer and a little muscle, push it up slightly out of square, then bang it square with the hammer. Replacement is much easier than removal.

[@scottiehogue6999]

Thank you for the video! Very helpful!

[@spelunkerd]

You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@scottiehogue6999]

Had to replace the crank position sensor, talking about a pain! But she is done and running like a top now!

[@spelunkerd]

Scottie Hogue Thanks for the followup.

[@blakhorizon915]

Thank you for this video, it really helped me do the same job on my cousins ram today 👍👍

[@cas5184]

Isn't there suppose to be a gasket between the transmission and transfer case

[@spelunkerd]

It gives pause, to consider why they chose the more complicated design. With a single gasket design, if that seal were to fail, fluid from one side might silently leak over to the other side. Even if the fluids are compatible, optimal level is likely different. By having two seals and a weep hole, the tech gets an early warning and clues as to which seal is leaking. Also during manufacture, they can fill each device with oil and test each on the bench before final assembly on the car.

[@team20explorer]

Very helpful video, Thank you.

[@spelunkerd]

You're welcome, thanks back.

[@stuzman52]

Nice work Dave! Is it too early to say that you got a good fix there?

[@wadeohms714]

Thanks for the video.

[@spelunkerd]

You're welcome, thanks for watching.

[@keithcooper7711]

do these transmission carry torque convertor

[@spelunkerd]

+keith cooper Yes, a torque convertor is in almost all automatic transmissions of this vintage. The torque convertor is a surprisingly complex but elegant design.

[@mindyrajkumar5102]

thanks a lot you were a lot of help

[@geojor]

good information, thank you...

[@spelunkerd]

Are you from PEI? It's on my list of places to go, one day, ha ha. My son is playing hockey in NFLD, though I'm not sure he'll be there long enough for us to get there.

[@geojor]

yes, here in PEI...

[@jps13party]

those seals should be greased before tapping them in

[@michaelthomas788]

You can't put grease on those seals the transfer case and transmission you just screw it up transmission gets hot oils going to melt the grease into the fluid and you can have cross-contamination

[@michaelthomas788]

Especially if it's one of those newer trucks that takes that ATF plus 4 synthetic Len did you not do very well after you contaminate them burns the clutches right up

[@michaelthomas788]

Sometimes just giving it an oil change and the transmission won't catch gears anymore once you take out all the junk inside the oil pan transmission I'll just stop working completely because all that junk plugged all the holes in the bands and issues in the transmission once you take them out transmission will not engage anymore

[@vehicularyoutuber8668]

Amazing job thank you for making this

[@michaelthomas788]

I was pretty dumb move. That ATV Jack least everyone that I've used has a locking mechanism so that that won't happen why did you not lock it

[@spelunkerd]

When you pair short jack stands with a transmission jack that won't lower very far, you get extra problems that a pro would never see. In this case I couldn't use the stand chain normally because I couldn't roll the loaded case out from underneath the vehicle, the top of the transmission case made contact with exhaust and other structures above. So, once it was down I had to slide the case off the transmission jack so I could get it free. There is a reason I didn't have it firmly chained, I needed to slide it off as soon as it was low enough to take control. Not easy.

[@michaelthomas788]

@@spelunkerd I've only been bending wrenches 32 years or so I don't know if that counts as being a pro but I can build a car from the ground up starting with a frame jig some raw metal tubing a welder tape measure framing square with a few other odds and ends I can work on any car from 1932 to 2018 19 20 and not have very much trouble diagnosing the issue I built a couple of Ford Coupes few hot rods and built a few classic trucks classic I mean 1949 Chevy 5 window cab 48,51,50,53 69 Chevelle Super Sport 454 complete restoration strip down to nothing sanding painted reupholstered re-carpeted new windows reworks doors for windows will roll up and down rewired wherever the wiring harness was screwed up from the rats have even put a 2006 Ford drivetrain wiring harness in a 69 Ford 100 classic

[@luckychucky3426]

very nice job

[@spelunkerd]

Thanks, I'm glad it helped.

[@brayanmunoz5173]

i have a 2001 is it the same thing?

[@spelunkerd]

Not sure, likely close.

[@spelunkerd]

Yes, once the four bolts are undone, you pull the shaft backward towards the tailgate and it slides out without difficulty. A little oil will possibly drain out of the shaft hole if you haven't drained the case first, so leave a drain pan underneath to catch any drips.

[@831jpt]

What are the torque spec?

[@thedarkpanda4208]

What type is that transfer case

[@spelunkerd]

NVG 246. ID stamp is on the drivers side of the rear shaft housing, hard to get to and even harder to read. Wipe off the dirt and take a photo with your phone, or check the RPO code in the glove box. I put the RPO code somewhere in the video.

[@deasttn]

My 97 is showing similar symptoms. I think I'm going to just sell it as is

[@randjones838]

well explained good video viewing

[@spelunkerd]

+rand jones Thank you.

[@GuyCelestre]

"muffler bearing" - classic!

[@Bob-gn8ph]

Thank you sir :-)

[@michaelthomas788]

Yeah yeah it's got an X and a y axis so that you can move that pitch it's tilted

[@rockwell3851]

Can you give me the seals parts number please?

[@blakhorizon915]

19211 and 19255, i just did mine today.

[@NonRider]

nice job dude ..ah..

[@michaelthomas788]

Besides the fact I couldn't tell you how many times took in the motherfukers out without a jack. They're not that heavy like a hundred pounds

[@zx8401ztv]

Looks like a right fidderly job, bet your upper arms ached. . Hey you said amature, thats disgusting, i thought i was watching an expert ha ha ha :-)) As i see it, you are carefull and clever and get good results, forget the label my frend :-) Lucky i wasnt doing the job, i would have been swearing and that silly tin anker plate would have found itself in a bin, zip ties will do its job. I have a very low threshold for stupid designs. lol :-)

[@XER239]

Thank you, very detailed