Transfer case leak into Auto Xmisson?

[RandyJon]

Hi everyone. This is my first post so kind of new to this.

Have a 1998 Ford Explorer with 4L SOHC and 5R55E transmission.
It had 130K on it when I bought it 6 months ago. Now has 137K. I have replaced several items which it needed (Spark plugs, spark plug wires, fuel filter, air filter (with KN), coil (not sure if needed this), etc.

I just recently checked the transfer case and found it was just about dry! I say just about, because I am not sure how dry it was but I put in over a quart of ATF. I have not used the 4 wheel drive Hi or Lo on it at all so hopefully that prevented the transfer case from having any major problems? Anyways, I was told that perhaps the transfer case was leaking into the transmission? If so, I should be able to see a rise in the automatic transmission fluid level, which I have not.... yet. Anyone know if this is possible? Is the transfer case being 'used' in normal driving conditions? so, without much fluid in the transfer case it didn't ruin something? It doesn't make any noises (that I can hear) but would like to use the 4 wheel drive this winter in the snow. I live in Central Oregon.

Have read lots of questions submitted but couldn't find any like this one. But if there is an answer already on the site here, let me k ow and I will read it.

Thanks
Randy

 

[gmanpaint]

Have you looked on the t-case for wetness? Leaks on the case, or output shafts?

I would tend to think that the T-case is leaking from a bad seal. To test this out, place a sheet of cardboard directly under the T-case (hold down with rocks) overnight. Look for fluid on the cardboard in the morning, and take note of where the wet spots are. Look up from the wet spot to determine the location of the leak.


Running the t-case dry is a bad thing. You have a 4405 with a clutch. I would fill it with ATF, and test it now before you actually need it.

 

[RandyJon]

Will try checking for leaks

Thanks for the suggestions. I will do as you say and see if I have any leaks. I did not have any leaks for the past 7K miles I have had it... but maybe it was dry all that time??

RandyJon

 

[Aela]

hello dear!!! just replace the transfer SEAL most times all it is its about a 40$ part or 100$ to get changed at a auto mechanic!!hope this helps keep it filled till then mines gone bad too just hope it hasn't caused any damage!! good luck!!! randyjon and happy driving and gl with fixing your seals!! hopefully that's all you have to replace!

 

[Aela]

my new explorer ran dry too didn't hurt it don't worry they are tough! Just drive it like you stole it haha!jk but if you hear groaning in the 4wd don't panic iv'e been told by 5 ford specialists they can groan in 4wd no problems just a noise after transfer case seal issues and a lil jerking but normal what you want to watch for is a severe and i mean severe jerk when you engage 4wd and use it youll notice

 

[Ilikemice]

I'm just posting my experience with tranny/transfer case leakage in case it's of any help

My S10 had a leak between the transmission and the transfer case and the ATF seemed to be under pressure from the tranny since it ended up filling the transfer case and vac pipes and coming out of the transfer case breather pipe up by the front headlight. I took the upper fill plug out of the t-case to see what was going on and ended up with several quarts of ATF on the drive... and me.

I'm not sure how quick the leakage happened but I did have to top up the tranny with a quart of fluid every few months. I wondered where it was going