1995 T4R Transfer Case Problem?

[lilballr2005]

Hey all, long time lurker first time poster!

I've been fixing up my 1995 T4R, V6 4WD 5MT. One of the big things I have is a lot of road noise. A buddy of mine identified some play in the rear output flange of the transfer case. I've had it looked at by a couple people briefly and most have said it's most likely an oil seal that's worn (note it looks like a lot of the transfer case oil has leaked out), but one tech told me he thinks it's deeper in the transfer case and I'll probably have to pull one off a junker and replace it. I would like to get a second opinion before I waste a day in the shop.

Here's an album that shows where I'm getting play. The green arrows show where it is.
4Runner Transfer Case - Album on Imgur

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

 

[Scalded_Dawg]

Just a guess here from the pics...
Looks like the output shaft bearings are shot. That in turn would cause the oil seal to go bad.

 

[Hyde802]

Bad U joints can also cause oil seals to go. But I agree, if there is play, it could be a bearing.

 

[nevada]

Hey all, long time lurker first time poster!

I've been fixing up my 1995 T4R, V6 4WD 5MT. One of the big things I have is a lot of road noise. A buddy of mine identified some play in the rear output flange of the transfer case. I've had it looked at by a couple people briefly and most have said it's most likely an oil seal that's worn (note it looks like a lot of the transfer case oil has leaked out), but one tech told me he thinks it's deeper in the transfer case and I'll probably have to pull one off a junker and replace it. I would like to get a second opinion before I waste a day in the shop.

Here's an album that shows where I'm getting play. The green arrows show where it is.
4Runner Transfer Case - Album on Imgur

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

pull the driveline and yoke off, I bet the nut is loose.
seen it many times. in fact, I have seen them back completely out, and disconnected the driveline from the tcase gears. front wheel drive only..

if the nut is loose, go ahead and replace the seal before putting it back together.

 

[lilballr2005]

Thanks for the tips. I'll take the shaft off and check that nut. If it's not that I guess I'll pull the transfer case and get at that output shaft bearing.

Thanks again for the tips. I'll follow up!

 

[lilballr2005]

Just wanted to update, I went in and tightened the bolt holding in the output flange and it completely got rid of that play! You can see in the pictures that it looks like a lot of that gear oil leaked out, so I ended up flushing that fluid and replacing it. It's driving a lot better and I'm going to keep an eye on that fluid to ensure the seals are still ok. Thanks for the advice!

 

[gtgt_bangbang]

Nevada, That's an awesome tip to check the nut on the output, thanks

To the OP; who ever suggested that the oil seal could be responsible for excessive play is basically clueless and should be discouraged from opining on your truck.