Sounds good. I'll get on that tonight after work. Hopefully the ground has dried out enough so I'm not covered in mud by the end

Also, thanks Everyone for all the help. I can't say enough how much I appreciate it.

 

Ok so it's looking like a pinion bearing and front yoke seal? The oil was a little brown (water intrusion from bad seal maybe?) but didn't smell burnt at all. No shavings that I could find either. It looked like the oil level was just barely low so I think I'm ok as soon as I get that bearing replaced.

I put it in neutral and tried to spin the drive shaft and it would hardly move.

Also I think I found my brake leak

 

I would bet that "brake leak" is a blown wheel seal and that is gear oil we're seeing.

 

I just had the axle seals done on that side. And I'm losing brake fluid somewhere and that's the only wet spot.

 

Hope you're right!

 

So how do I tell what axle I have? Vin decoder wasn't very helpful.

here is a site that I found that has exploded views of 3 different rear axles for my year make and model

REAR AXLE for 1997 Ford F-250

 

None of the pictures showed a floating axle, which yours should be.

 

If it's still there, there should be a tag on the rear differential being held on by one or 2 of the bolts that hold the back cover on.

 

Someone probably swapped an e250 or an e350 axle, which they are not floaters

 

Floaters are better though right?

 

Yes. Take a picture of the rear wheel, without a hubcap or center cap if possible without pulling the tire.

 

I will tonight. Thanks Guys for all the help... I know absolutely nothing about differentials

 

 

Thats a full floater with Limited Slip 3.55

 

Get yourself a canvas drop cloth for laying on the ground. They are about 10 bucks and make these jobs a whole lot easier.