This is not the rear cover but the actual case itself. Doesn't make sense to me and was wondering if anyone has ever seen this happen. I bought the truck with 93,000 miles on it and am now at 108,000. Then it looks to me that if this is the problem I have to replace the whole rear end and axel tube.

Comments and suggestions welcome. I haven't done any vehicle work since the mid 1980's (Yep I'm old) but have never seen anything like this. Will attach a picture.

Attached Images

Leak.JPG (55.2 KB, 58 views)

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2002 Ford Ranger Edge Super Cab 3.o v6 auto
Modifications: Lifted 1.5 inches with 265/70R/15 makes nice ride height. Front Brush Gaurd.
I don't do windows -100% Linux

Doesn't look as if it's leaking. Looks like something leaked on it a long time ago.

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1997 B2300 reg cab 2.3 Lima, 15x8.5 Mickey Thompson classic 2, 31x10.50 cooper discover at3, 7.5 open 4.10 rear, dynomax super turbo catback, alpine iva-w200 w/ nav, kicker 6x8s, alpine type R 8, alpine 250W mono amp, power bass 400.4, tool box & camper shell, compustar alarm/remote start.
1956 Ford F100 rust bucket with big plans!

Sure hope your right. I cleaned it off and will keep an eye on the carport. But yesterday there was oil on my carport under the rear end. I recently had the transmission fluid and filter replaced. Maybe they got oil on the differential although I don't understand how that could happen. That gussett on the side of the case is fairly large though. Thanks.

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2002 Ford Ranger Edge Super Cab 3.o v6 auto
Modifications: Lifted 1.5 inches with 265/70R/15 makes nice ride height. Front Brush Gaurd.
I don't do windows -100% Linux

Think about the shape of the housing there. If fluid were to drip off of it, that darker spot is the exact path it would take. Unless it looks greasy or easily rubs off, you don't have a leak. For what it's worth though, that pinion seal right next to it is famous for leaking a bit.

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2003 Ford Ranger XLT
2.3L I4 Duratec DOHC, 5R44E 5-speed auto, RWD, 7.5" Open w/ 4.10 Ratio, Gibson split-rear catback
Sonic Blue Pearl with dark gray trim

Thanks for your imput. Unfortunately I can't check as well with the truck on the ground. Once I get under the thing there isn't much wiggle room and I'm too old to wrap myself around the axel. Appears I need to take it to a garage so they can put it on a lift, which I was reluctant to do until I had more background informatin.Pointing out that the seal can be a problem was more help than you may think. I checked and it isn't leaking so when I take it in I know that and can tell them so they don't try to screw me.

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2002 Ford Ranger Edge Super Cab 3.o v6 auto
Modifications: Lifted 1.5 inches with 265/70R/15 makes nice ride height. Front Brush Gaurd.
I don't do windows -100% Linux

Thats not the pinion seal. Usually the pinion seal would shown signs with oil along the bottom of the diff

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X2

Yeah, that's definitely not the pinion seal. It's something to keep an eye out for whenever looking for leaks, but that doesn't seem to be the case here.

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2003 Ford Ranger XLT
2.3L I4 Duratec DOHC, 5R44E 5-speed auto, RWD, 7.5" Open w/ 4.10 Ratio, Gibson split-rear catback
Sonic Blue Pearl with dark gray trim

Agree that the pinion seal isn't leaking. I drove several miles earlier this morning and it doesn't show any signs of leak today. So - it's either no leak or enough has leaked out so the fluid id below the hole, crack or whatever. I was mostly wondering if anyone had ever seen or experienced something like this before.
Thanks for input.

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2002 Ford Ranger Edge Super Cab 3.o v6 auto
Modifications: Lifted 1.5 inches with 265/70R/15 makes nice ride height. Front Brush Gaurd.
I don't do windows -100% Linux