Front Transfer Case Seal replacement

[Falcon3]

I did a search, and can only find info for th 3rd gens, which are supposed to be similar. However, I've had Toyota and an independent shop quote me at 6-7 hours Labor to replace the front seal on the transfer case on my 08 V6. Another mechanic said his book told him 6 hours but he thinks he can do it in 1.5 and just charge me actual time.

Everything I've seen shows you just unbolt the shaft, unbolt the flange, replace the seal and reverse everything. Anybody know why the manual says the front takes so long? The rear says 1 hour labor.

 

[Brian3676]

I think maybe you're thinking of 2 different seals...there is the driveshaft seals, front and rear, and then the front seal on the transfer case where it bolts to the transmission. For that one the transfer case must be removed.

I can see book time being 5-6 hours on that. Im sure there is some silly procedure they want you to do to remove it. Real time, with no rusty bolts, is likely around 1.5-2 hours. I had my case in and out in I think about 3 hours (if I member correctly, it was a while ago), but that included splitting the case and replacing the transfer case actuator when it was out.

Honestly it's pretty simple if you have the space and basic tools, not a lot you can mess up.

 

[Falcon3]

Hm I definitely made it clear to all the shops I was looking for the front driveshaft output seal, not the transmission seal, and even looking through the shop book directions that said 6 hours, the mechanic said he couldn't see anything that should take that long.

 

[Brian3676]

Hm I definitely made it clear to all the shops I was looking for the front driveshaft output seal, not the transmission seal, and even looking through the shop book directions that said 6 hours, the mechanic said he couldn't see anything that should take that long.

Oh, man if you want the front driveshaft seal that should be pretty quick....I did mine when it was all out, but I see no reason it should take that long.....although I do member the front driveshaft being a little tricky to get out, I'm sure you can unbolt it from the front diff and slide it back enough to do the seal. Heck if it takes longer than 2 hours to do in place your better off removing the entire transfer case :rofl:

 

[Falcon3]

Good to know thanks for the replies. I'll be doing the rear seal now as it's dripping and leaving the front. Seals most of the time I let a pro do, as my history with them has meant replacing them multiple times as I always get leaks. Glad the one mechanic I called was willing to do the front for actual time notebook time.