TJ Wrangler Automatic Transmission Adapter Fluid Leak

[Dave D]

I have 97 TJ 4.0l automatic and found a seeping hole under the transmission-to-transfer case adapter (above where the transmission mount is attached)

should this be plugged? Is it threaded? Appears to be a factory made hole

[Moses Ludel]

Dave D...Please share a photo if you can get near the hole.  The space/cavity between the transmission and transfer case should no have ATF in the cavity.  The transmission output shaft's male splines fit into the transfer case input gear's female splines.  An output seal fits in the transmission's output shaft support.  That seal aligns inside the transmission-to-transfer case adapter.  The most likely leak is that seal.  The seal provides a seal between the transmission output adapter and the transfer case's input gear.

The "hole" could be just a weep hole for pressure release and water to exit in the event of a stream crossing.  The fluid you see, if it's ATF (reddish), would be leaking between the automatic 32RH transmission's output support and the transfer case's input gear.  If the leak is severe enough to require seal replacement, the transfer case needs to be removed.  Once removed, you will see the transmission output shaft with the seal at the transmission's output support.

In other instances, loose fasteners between the transfer case and transmission, a loose transmission output support or a loose transfer case input seal and plate will cause a leak.  Check the adapter hardware.  If hardware can be tightened, you might alleviate a minor leak.  Otherwise the transfer case will need removal to pinpoint the leak.  There is a transmission output seal and a transfer case input gear seal.

Moses

[53HiHood]

I have a friend who experienced this before, I believe it was the t-case input seal that was bad and leaked fluid into the tail shaft housing/extension. Can’t remember how he figured it out, whether there was an external leak or he noticed fluid disappearing with no visible leak.