How serious is a small rear diff leak in a 02 Ranger 4x4 with 68,000.

Over a period of 24 hours, it leaks a spot just under the size of a dime.

Could this be as simple as replacing a gasket, if so how big of a job is this?

Also, how to I ckeck the fluid level in the rear diff.

I had a similar problem with mine. If you have the 8.8 rear end then your fill/check plug will be on the front side above and to the right of where the driveshaft connects. Put the truck on level ground and remove the plug with a 3/8" socket extension. The fluid should be level with the top of the hole. Use an allen key or bend a nail to make your own dipstick.

To stop the leak, I used Lucas Heavy Duty Gear Oil, but unless you have a pump, the only way to drain and replace it is to take the cover off. Then you remove the old silicon gasket and replace it with a new one when you're ready to refill the diff. Took me like 30-45 mins.

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2000 3.0L Flex Trail Head 4X2

By the way... it probably is as simple as replacing the gasket if it is leaking from there. Mine was leaking from the front where the driveshaft bolts up.

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2000 3.0L Flex Trail Head 4X2

most likey the gasket, look to see were it is dripping from you should see a bunch of dirt there

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I went under today and had a better look. Like you, it seems to be leaking from where the driveshaft bolts up as the dirt build up seems wet with oil.

I take it it is not as simple as changing a gasket anymore?

The leak is actually at your pinion seal, depending on severity it's not a huge worry provided you keep an eye on the oil level till you get around to fixing it. cspeir sounds like was fortunate with his, and the lip seal around the pinion went back to work after changing oil (and gasket). It's not uncommon for these to dribble a bit when the rear u joint begins going south.

Is there any evidence of "slinging" oil from around the back of the flange? If not I'd say just check the oil level (and the u joint while you're there) and go for now.

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2004 Ranger 4x4, 5 speed manual, 4.0 V6

There dosent seem to be any oil slinged around, its just seeping from the u-joint, slowly leaking down the front of the diff case, then forming drops right near the cover seal. That why I originaly though it was that gasket.

I also noticed the same thing is happening on the front as well. But not as bad.

On my daughter's '97, we wound up replacing the rear u joint about six months after I first noticed the leak - after which the leak quit. Best way I've found to check is with the rear axle up on stands & wiggle the driveshaft back & forth by hand. You can also rotate the rear tires back & forth with it in & out of gear this way and closely simulate some driving action.

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2004 Ranger 4x4, 5 speed manual, 4.0 V6

Thanks for the advice.