I should probably fix this...
 

Yeah since winter is pretty much over and I did A LOT of driving in the snow, I'm assuming I should fix this.

Is it a 10 min backyard DIY job or something that will take me a solid weekend to do?

This is an 02 Ranger XLT with the FX4 package. 5 speed dual stick.

Thanks.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...h_100_0405.jpg

its not a 10 minute job but its not a weekend deal either. id say a good hour to remove the cover, clean it, re-apply permatex gasket maker, put cover back on, torque the bolts and re-fill the diff with the appropriate fluid and friction modifier if needed

Is it the rear cover or the front seal leaking and it running to the rear cover?

That's a good question. I'll crawl WAY under there and take pics later. I'll post what I find.

Im thinking its prolly a pinion seal

Alright...

I took the best pics I could. It's now 100% obvious where the leak is.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...h_100_0407.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...h_100_0409.jpg

So I'm guessing some permatex "right stuff" and an hours time would have this fixed?

Next question: Just so I don't have to look it up, what are the torque specs for those cover bolts?

looks like your pinion is leaking a little too, but the heavy leak is def the diff cover.

Yeah... is the pinion seal something I could take care of at the same time? I can make all my own repairs but the biggest problem is I just don't have a whole lot of time.

EDIT: I should also ask... what kind of fluid goes in there? Is it regular oil? ATF? What is a friction modifier? Sorry for all the questions but I don't have much experience with drivetrains.

80/90w gear oil dont put motor or atf in there
if you have a limited slip diff (fx4 does)you will need fricton modifer to make the limited slip work right
i would pick up a hayness book for your truck best 25 bucks you will ever spend

Awesome thanks for the info. I'm a little tight on cash but I have a chiltons guide. That will have to do for now.

the truck is shot, might as well give it to me.

if you have a limited slip you will need fric mod...if you have an fx4 level II or an open diff, you will not use it

LoL!!

Nah, it took all of 30 seconds and my trusty craftsman air ratchet to remove the diff cover.

I cleaned it up and threw some permatex gasket maker on there, along with the OEM gasket from Advance Auto. This didn't even take 30 mins.

The hard part was actually LOCATING the diff fill plug and finding a way to pour the friction modifier and axle lube in there w/out actually spilling any. Eventually, a 12" piece of 3/8 rubber fuel line was my saving grace.

This job took a little over an hour. Next time, it will take me 45 minutes.

Anyway, I've been driving around all day after this repair and no sign of leakage anywhere.

Thanks for everyone's help. I highly appreciate it!