Ford F150 differential question

[BranNwebster]

So I'm up in Pennsylvania and notice I have a leak at the seal at the drive shaft on the rear differential. It's not enough to pool on the ground but you can see that it definitely leaks when driving. I pulled the fill plug and I could touch fluid so it seems full. I don't want to mess with it now, I'm leaving tomorrow and will be home Saturday. It's under warranty. I know they'll want it for a day and I'm ready to get the hell out here.

So what kind of risk am I looking at by driving 1200 miles to get home?

 

[scottsst]

is there a oil spot were you park the truck ? does it look like it's been doing it for a long time ? you obviously know how to check the level of fluid in the diff so as long as you have a couple quarts with you and you keep and eye on it I would think you should be OK

 

[BranNwebster]

is there a oil spot were you park the truck ? does it look like it's been doing it for a long time ? you obviously know how to check the level of fluid in the diff so as long as you have a couple quarts with you and you keep and eye on it I would think you should be OK

There might be a drip or two on the ground. I bet it started on the drive up from Texas. I'm going to carry some fluid with me and I have tools. 3/8ths square driver removes the plug nicely.

 

[urbanj]

As long as there is fluid you'll be fine. It seems like it's a minor leak. I'd top it off (until it comes out the fill hole) and then check at a gas stop. also clean around where it is leaking. You can tell if it's lost a lot by just seeing if its run down and is all over the bottom of the diff.

 

[BranNwebster]

Thanks with your replies and my general feeling of being ok helped out alot. I made it back without any problems. The truck was loaded too. I check the fluid about halfway down and was only able to put in a couple of ounces. I suppose I'll get it into the shop sometime this week, it should be fixed for free plus there is a recall that needs to be worked on as well.