2 things...leak help and transfer case shift shaft boot

[BIG RENO AL]

Issue #1: I have been told I need to finally get serious about an annoying leak under my 1972 fj40 (by the wife). Original F 155 engine, original 3 speed transmission and transfer case. All run very well, but the oil spot in the driveway has become an issue great enough that I need to fix it. I have assumed that the leak was coming from the transfer case somewhere as the fluid would need to be topped off occasionally. I wiped off as much oil as I could underneath recently and have been checking to see if I could pin down the leak. It looks to be running down the flywheel cover, which I think would mean engine oil, but the engine oil level never deviates much. I do change the oil frequently. Is this an obvious indication of a main seal leak? More pics available if needed.

Issue #2: While I was under the truck, I noticed that the boot on the transfer case shift shaft (I think) is damaged, probably just old and rotten. Any pressing need to attempt to locate and install a new one?

 

[Living in the Past]

Without any sign of leak from your transfer case I would check the level in the transmission. Common for oil to migrate transfer to transmission. As for your oil leak, If is gear oil the input shaft seal on the transmission probably leaking. Engine oil then most likely the engine rear seal or possibly a plug for a oil galley at the back of the block. Either way you need to pull the transmission and transfer case to fit. With a three speed without a PTO not really that hard to do.

As for your boot I personally would replace it. It helps keep dirt and moisture away from the seal at the end of the shaft. Just removing the nut that holds the shift lever on should get it far enough out of the way to replace the boot.

 

[78fj40mg]

I would change it since that area of the TC is subject splashing water/mud etc. You don't want the shaft to rust as it will affect shifting.

 

[BIG RENO AL]

I will look harder for leaks at the transfer case, but it seems unlikely as the leak is appearing on the flywheel cover. I did just recently check the oil in the transmission. It was fine. I also do have the bypass hose that connects the transmission to the transfer case. If I pull off the flywheel cover will a main seal leak be more obvious?

 

[Living in the Past]

It may or may not be helpful with the cover off. Pretty sure your going to have to pull the T/T fix the leak in which case I would replace rear engine seal while your got everything apart.

 

[78fj40mg]

I will look harder for leaks at the transfer case, but it seems unlikely as the leak is appearing on the flywheel cover. I did just recently check the oil in the transmission. It was fine. I also do have the bypass hose that connects the transmission to the transfer case. If I pull off the flywheel cover will a main seal leak be more obvious?

I wouldn't bother removing the flywheel cover as you will not be able to see the RMS while the flywheel and clutch are in place, you could possible feel around however.

 

[BIG RENO AL]

UGG! alright thanks for the advice. I have never done anything like this so its going to take lots of reading up on before I have the confidence for this. I'll most likely have more questions later. How can I tell just from the fluid leaking if it is engine oil or gear oil? Just the relative viscosity?

 

[broth9640]

Gear oil from the tranny and transfer has a distinct smell.

 

[DrWytail]

Issue #1: I have been told I need to finally get serious about an annoying leak under my 1972 fj40 (by the wife). Original F 155 engine, original 3 speed transmission and transfer case. All run very well, but the oil spot in the driveway has become an issue great enough that I need to fix it. I have assumed that the leak was coming from the transfer case somewhere as the fluid would need to be topped off occasionally. I wiped off as much oil as I could underneath recently and have been checking to see if I could pin down the leak. It looks to be running down the flywheel cover, which I think would mean engine oil, but the engine oil level never deviates much. I do change the oil frequently. Is this an obvious indication of a main seal leak? More pics available if needed.View attachment 1065509

Issue #2: While I was under the truck, I noticed that the boot on the transfer case shift shaft (I think) is damaged, probably just old and rotten. Any pressing need to attempt to locate and install a new one?
View attachment 1065511

Sorry, don't want to hijack, but my T case shift rod boot looks just like yours, a crumbly dry rotted mess.
Anyone know the part order number on this boot, or exactly what it is called, and maybe even best place to order it from?
Thanks, Todd

 

[emac]

Sounds like you need to drop the tranny/TC and replace all the seals and gaskets. Which will lead to checking the rear main, pan gasket, then a new clutch/PP, parking brake rebuild, Ujoints, diff seals, knuckle rebuild, and if your lucky you will pull the tub and start a restoration thread!

If you dont have to replace any bearings, it is pretty straight forward to replace all the seals. Plenty of threads available. Splitting the TC from the Tranny is probably the hardest part as you will need to rig a puller.

OEM part #'s (for 77 model):

TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 40 55 FJ40LV-KCJA - POWERTRAIN-CHASSIS - | Japan Parts EU

 

[drnekFJ40]

I just ordered that rubber boot for my 77 from Toyota online parts(thanks to Architect77).he got small thread with part # and how to change it...part name is transfer case front shift boot I believe...