transmission leak

[Maryk]

Hi Every One!

I am the new owner of a 1996 Explorer V8. After driving a few days the trans started slipping. We found a transmission fluid leak. I have changed the pan gasket and filter. Tightened/torqued the bolts. Changed and replaced the o-ring on the VSS.

After 3 hours of searching/wiping/flashlight/ test driving/ wiping/searching etc..etc... I am convinced that the leak is coming from the junction of the transmission body and extension.

QUESTION....
Can I change the gasket between the tran and the extension without dropping the whole transmission?
The transmission runs perfectly as long as the fluid is topped off so I am keeping close watch on it until repair can be made.

I am a beginner so please give as much detail as you can if you are able to reply. I bought a Chilton which is a great resource but this is not covered.

Thank you!

 

[masospaghetti]

Are you referring to the extension between the transmission and the transfer case?

If so, there is a paper gasket in there. You can replace that by only dropping the transfer case. Be warned that you will probably need some special C-shaped wrenches to reach the bolts on top of the transfer case. Otherwise, removal is a pretty straightforward job - disconnect the driveshaft at the transfer case (4 bolts), disconnect the front driveshaft at the transfer case (another 4 bolts), disconnect the transfer case housing bolts (5 or 6 bolts). The assembly was light enough that I was able to remove it on my back, by hand - YMMV. (FYI I am about 180 lbs to give you an idea).

 

[Maryk]

I have a 4R70W automatic transmission. The drive shaft comes right out of the extension and straight back to the rear differential. If I remove the drive shaft, then I could unbolt the extension. What happens when I take that extension off? Will I screw up anything?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Do you have a 4WD vehicle? You only mentioned the extension housing. A 4WD has a transfer case.

 

[Maryk]

Not 4wd. No transfer case.

 

[BrooklynBay]

It shouldn't be so hard to do since it's only an extension housing.