2002 4x4 offroad Ford Ranger diff oil leak

[Bwye]

I'm looking at buying this 2002 4x4 offroad Ford ranger. I noticed what looked like a diff leak in one of the pictures and I was wondering if this is a big problem?

 

[DILLARD000]

Could be as simple as replacing the CoverGasket & refilling with 75w140.FullSyn + FricModifier.
Could also be an indication that PO has never serviced the Diffs & bigger issues..

 

[JohnnyO]

Lube Locker gaskets are supposed to be kind of idiot-proof if you're going to do it yourself.

 

[Curious Hound]

If it was a cover leak, I would expect to see a lot of oil and dirt buildup on the bottom part of the cover and diff. Looks dry in that photo. Could be pinion seal. That's a bit more involved to change.

It could also be something totally unrelated spilled on the floor before that truck was parked there. Maybe even from a different vehicle. Just inspect it real good when you get there.

 

[rubydist]

Even if the pinion seal was leaking, normally there are drips on the bottom of the diff housing, which we are not seeing in that photo, so let's hope it was some other vehicle that made that mess. However, be sure to take a good look at the pinion seal.