Greetings. 1995 FZJ80 with 170,400 miles. This vehicle was stored in a professional indoor storage facility for the past 15 months while I was deployed.
The truck was delivered today. Very glad to have it back and to plan some camping in the coming year.
While in storage, the vehicle was started and brought to operating temperature biweekly, but was never driven.
After taking possession and driving twenty miles today, I inspected the frame, axles and drive shafts. I found two leaks that need to be addressed and would appreciate the Forum’s help diagnosing the issues and laying out a plan of attack. I’d like to tackle these projects myself.
ISSUE 1: After sitting for several hours today (after the 20 mile drive), I found this puddle under the AC Dryer. I’m quite positive this is transmission fluid, but I’m not sure if it’s from the power steering system or the transmission cooler lines. I could see the fluid forming a drop on the AC Dryer Bracket (the fluid smells sweet, which is why I’m pretty sure it’s ATF)...
Here are some photos of the area where I found the leak and the area around it...
The power steering reservoir is full and power steering is operating properly. The transmission fluid is at the correct level. The leak concerns me, as the puddle was quite large fur having sat only a few hours.
ISSUE 2: Guessing I finally have a leaking axle seal. This vehicle has been all through Latin America and Southern Africa. 170,000 miles. 22 years old. Never had the Birfield Joints rebuilt. Found this weeping on the inside of the drivers front wheel. Notice the leak dripping off the steering arm studs...
Note that there is no sign of oil on the outside of the driver’s wheel. I’ve not yet checked the Birfield with a zip tie, but will do so tomorrow and advise. The passenger side Birfield Joint looks fine. I have kept my knuckles filled 3/4 with moly over the life of the truck.
PLAN OF ATTACK: While I’m disappointed with this, especially after having it in storage so long, it’s probably to be expected given the age. Kind of puzzled why the knuckle would go in storage, but I guess seals wear out or dry out from no use.
To be honest, I’m pretty keen to tackle this. The axle service, if that’s what’s needed, will be my biggest job yet on this truck.
I’m in no rush to address these issues. The truck is not a daily driver so it can sit in the garage while I work on it. I have basic tools and will get what’s needed to complete this job (e.g., Joey’s 54mm Hub Nut Tool).
So, any diagnoses, suggestions or tips are most welcome. I’ll take more photos as needed. I’ve power washed the underside to better identify the leaks in a day or two and will advise any changes.
Also, if any Forum members are in the Tidewater, Virginia area and would be willing to assist or mentor me through this, I’d be most grateful and willing to provide plenty of food, beer and even a stipend for the time. My goal is to learn from this, but also to get it done properly.
Many thanks. Glad to be home and back on the Forum.
The truck was delivered today. Very glad to have it back and to plan some camping in the coming year.
While in storage, the vehicle was started and brought to operating temperature biweekly, but was never driven.
After taking possession and driving twenty miles today, I inspected the frame, axles and drive shafts. I found two leaks that need to be addressed and would appreciate the Forum’s help diagnosing the issues and laying out a plan of attack. I’d like to tackle these projects myself.
ISSUE 1: After sitting for several hours today (after the 20 mile drive), I found this puddle under the AC Dryer. I’m quite positive this is transmission fluid, but I’m not sure if it’s from the power steering system or the transmission cooler lines. I could see the fluid forming a drop on the AC Dryer Bracket (the fluid smells sweet, which is why I’m pretty sure it’s ATF)...
Here are some photos of the area where I found the leak and the area around it...
The power steering reservoir is full and power steering is operating properly. The transmission fluid is at the correct level. The leak concerns me, as the puddle was quite large fur having sat only a few hours.
ISSUE 2: Guessing I finally have a leaking axle seal. This vehicle has been all through Latin America and Southern Africa. 170,000 miles. 22 years old. Never had the Birfield Joints rebuilt. Found this weeping on the inside of the drivers front wheel. Notice the leak dripping off the steering arm studs...
Note that there is no sign of oil on the outside of the driver’s wheel. I’ve not yet checked the Birfield with a zip tie, but will do so tomorrow and advise. The passenger side Birfield Joint looks fine. I have kept my knuckles filled 3/4 with moly over the life of the truck.
PLAN OF ATTACK: While I’m disappointed with this, especially after having it in storage so long, it’s probably to be expected given the age. Kind of puzzled why the knuckle would go in storage, but I guess seals wear out or dry out from no use.
To be honest, I’m pretty keen to tackle this. The axle service, if that’s what’s needed, will be my biggest job yet on this truck.
I’m in no rush to address these issues. The truck is not a daily driver so it can sit in the garage while I work on it. I have basic tools and will get what’s needed to complete this job (e.g., Joey’s 54mm Hub Nut Tool).
So, any diagnoses, suggestions or tips are most welcome. I’ll take more photos as needed. I’ve power washed the underside to better identify the leaks in a day or two and will advise any changes.
Also, if any Forum members are in the Tidewater, Virginia area and would be willing to assist or mentor me through this, I’d be most grateful and willing to provide plenty of food, beer and even a stipend for the time. My goal is to learn from this, but also to get it done properly.
Many thanks. Glad to be home and back on the Forum.