fluid leaking on rear of transmission?

[bigredscowboy]

94 Ranger 4x4 4.0 M50D manual
So I'm replacing the clutch for what I suspect to be a bad slave (fluid all at the joint with the oil pan). But then I realized there is fluid all over the back. Is it possible that this just came from the broken shifter bushing hole or is this something that's going to cost me?
Driver's side (what's the antenna thing right of the ratchet?)

Passenger's side

 

[baddis]

there are 3 rubber plugs in the top of the transmission top cover that leak. http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/shift_rail_plug_maintenance.htm

 

[bigredscowboy]

I can't believe I've read that thread before and the two didn't connect. Thanks baddis

 

[dapper15]

I have this same leak, what is leaking on the truck?

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

most likely the 3 rubber plugs in the back of the shift tower.

 

[dapper15]

what all is involved with fixing this? Do I need to lower the tranny? What is recommended to fix this?

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

You can replace the rubber plugs with metal freeze plugs of the same size. I believe instead of dropping the tranny you can remove your carpet and remove the floor plate that your shifter comes up through to get at them with the trans in the truck.

 

[old409]

I just replaced the rubber plugs on my M50 with 5/8 freeze plugs I got at NAPA. My trans is out of the truck, so I didn't have any problems.