Drive seal leak 97 automatic?

[superboiler]

We have a 97 Ranger with an automatic tranmission. It has 132k miles. Shifts okay now but there is a very slow leak out the drive seal or at least where the drive line comes in. So maybe a new seal. We have only had the truck for about 2k so not sure if the transmission was ever sevived. Most folks seem to say leave it alone until it dies. Recommendations?

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

So its a 2wd truck and it is leaking from the output seal (where the drive shaft slips into)?

Get a new seal, remove the drive shaft, pry out the old seal and tap in the new one. Give the slip yoke on the drive shaft a scrub with some scotchbright and reinstall. Check and top up fluid level if needed and carry on.

What is the fluid condition like? Nice and bright pink/red with no burnt odor?

Flushing an automatic transmission will NOT hurt it period. If it needs servicing service it.

 

[superboiler]

fluid

The fluid is dark red. I would say not so much a burnt smell but look kind of dirty/dark. The problem is I am not sure about the previously servicing.
It seems the seal should be easy to put in? Does it just press in or are there any trick to the installation?

Also, does the tranny need to be drained prior to the change?

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

I explained the install in the previous post I made. Its a very simple installation, no special tools required. No the fluid does not need to be changed before you remove the seal. If you do not know the service history of the transmission, service it for peace of mind.