I got home from a 20 mile drive in my truck tonight and when I got out of the truck I smelled burnt oil. I looked the engine bay over to no avail so I decided to look underneath. What I found I beleive is a leaking pinoin seal on my front axle. I don't use the 4x4 that much but we have had a spell of bad weather in the last 2 days and I have probably used the 4x4 for a total of 10 minutes. With 38K on the odo I'm not impressed. Glad I have extended warranty. I will have to call the dealership on monday and see about getting it in. GRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I already have my new work truck in the shop cuz the ring and pinion are bad in my Dana 80 rear on my new to me 2000 F350 CC DRW 4x4 Lariat PSD. NOT my week so far. End Rant!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Anyone else ever experience this on a ranger thats fairly new?

 

leaking pinion seals aren't totally uncommon, it's not too hard to replace but check your yoke to make sure it's not grooved.

 

well since I have extended warranty, I'm not gonna worry about it.

 

If ya don't use it often they tend to rust from road salt and such. Than when ya do use it it knocks the seal out. Quick or Jiffy sleeve and new seal and yer out in an hour or less.

 

I don't use it often but I do make a habbit of locking it in once every week or so and driving it 1/10 of a mile or so and cycle it through to low range to keep the t-case motor nice and free. Just makes me mad I guess. I've had nothing but problems with every vehicle I lay my hands on lately. My 95 F350 busted a piston ring, traded it for a 2000 model that promptly started having problems in the rear, my wifes car decides to have an ABS malfunction, and now my pinion seal. I may scream LOL. I was so mad today I ripped a phone book in two.

 

Check to be sure the vent is clear, if it isn't the pumpkin (diff housing) builds excess pressure forcing lube past the pinion seal.

 

I will take a look at it. Maybe it got frozen over with ice since I havent been off-road to get it clogged up with mud.

 

Twice! They finally fixed it

 

Mine's a little wet too. It's teh vent tube on my truck. Ford makes a replacement kit.