I have a 98.5 3500 4x4 24v bone stock with 106,000 miles. I just recently started experiencing transmission fluid leaking from the front of the transmission pan, dripping from the bolts. Over the last three weeks it has gotten worse, leaking approx. 1/4 to 1/2 quart in 8 to 10 hours.

Does anyone know what my problem could be? How to fix it? How much it will cost? How to keep it from happening again?

Thanks for all your help,
Justin

 

Justin,
It sounds as if the front pump seal went out on ya. Are you sure it is tranny fluid, red and kinda smelly? If so, it will take removing the trans, transfer case, and the corresponding crossmembers. Then pull torque converter out, r & r the seal, and do the reverse. Takes about 5 hours on a lift, probably double that if you are flat backing it. Good luck to you.


P.S. - a few ounces of brake fluid will soften seal, but it is only a temp fix, and not recommended if you plan on keeping tranny for a long time.

 

Tiny,

Thanks for your input.

Yeah, I'm sure it's transmission fluid, red in color.

It's just a coincidence because a 96 3500 2x4 12v (w/ 290K mi) at work has the same problem as mine, but much worse. We haven't heard anything from the mechanic on it, it's been waiting at his shop for two or three days. I've really been curious to see what happens with that truck. We also had a 95 2500 2x4 12v (w/ 250K mi) at work just starts pouring transmission fluid out from around the pan. The pan was tight. It ended up being a busted hose in the transmission.

Justin

 

Before you get too radical, make sure that it isn't the o-ring on the dip stick that is leaking!
good luck

 

...I had the same issue shortly after I bought my truck - after it got good and hot, it would puke out huge volumes of fluid. Be careful with the Pump Seal fix, that is often an indication that the pump bushing is trashed! I had the seal fixed, then fried the transmission after the seal was trashed again - in just a few weeks! If the tranny is going through the removal anyway, make sure they check it out and warranty their work!