Leaking front dana 35

[steelo1]

Was doing an underbody check before a 4WD trip & noticed a small amount of oil at the d/shaft entry (front diff Dana 35). It's not that big (yet) & is not dripping but has been thrown around by spinning, so am pressuming it only leaks when 4wd is engaged.
Is this dangerous yet & what might it be..... seals, bearings?
Also if need be can I top it up with LS diff oil, as I have heaps of that, till I get it fixed.
Thanks :navajo:

 

[rileyrs]

hmm strange, probly seels.

you should be ok toppin off with ls fluid, i think.

just drain the diff once you get the leak fixed and it shouldnt do any harm.

 

[Blee1099]

Probably the front pinion seal.. Easy repair
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[steelo1]

Thanks guys, are there any DIY sites on here for this do you know?
Again thanks

 

[nitro71]

I'd just keep it topped off once in a while as long as you're not AWD.

 

[steelo1]

Umm auto 4wd so I suppose it is?

 

[steelo1]

Would the pinion seal be the same for all Dana 35's or be different according to make of vehicle?

 

[gijoecam]

I'd just keep it topped off once in a while as long as you're not AWD.

Why would being AWD or not make a difference? it's a live front end... everything turns anytime the vehicle is rolling.

hmm strange, probly seels.

you should be ok toppin off with ls fluid, i think.

just drain the diff once you get the leak fixed and it shouldnt do any harm.

No limited slip fluid necessary. Plain ol' gear lube of the recommended weight (see your owner's manual... they've changed the recommendation several times over the years).

Change the pinion seal (or have it done). Often times, the seal alone isn't sufficient to stop the leak. The old seal has likely worn a groove in the old pinion and it's unlikely you'll get the new seal alone to fix it. Worst case, you need a new front pinion yoke (which is about $40).

-Joe