Model 18 gaskets and seals

My 18 leaks like a sieve. I bought a whole gasket kit from Quadratec. At a minimum, I am going to replace the front/rear output shaft seals, shift linkage seals, pan seal, and OD seal. I would like to avoid disassembly because it seems to be working very well and I don't want to mess that up, it just leaks. Are there any other seals in my kit that I can replace without tearing into it?

 

One of the tricky leaks you might come across is the front bearing retainer. (where the shifters mount) The problem comes from all the shims that need to be stacked up. Tighten that up, and all the sealant oozes out. (There is no gasket there, thickness is critical) I don't recall how far you would have to disassemble the thing to take care of that part of it, so I'll hope that someone else can chime in. Also, the big secret to sealing up something is to be sure that the surfaces are SPOTLESSLY clean. No oil residue, no old gasket, just clean bare metal. You may find that to be quite the challenge without disassembly.

FWIW, this is how I dealt with the shim pack and associated leaks. The trick is finding the proper thickness for your bearing and case.

 

I think Thad meant the rear output cap
those are where the shims are
rear output shims in his pic

 

Well I am in the boat as you, I changed the pan seal thinking that was were it was leaking, and it was kinda, but it now leaking like a seive at the rear output shaft. So that is what I am going to work on this weekend. So I wish you good luck, I hope it is easier then I think it will be or I will be drinking alot of :?

 

Yeah yeah yeah. Pick on the guy with heat stroke why dontcha....

Yes, I meant rear.....in front of the parking brake.

 

The bottom bolt that goes into the t-case on the left side when looking from the rear is also a drain for the trans it needs sealant on the threads and head .You can remove the bolt and hold your thumb over the hole wile the wife puts sealant on it .

 

digidty damn r u all serious, I never put any sealant on the drain plug, and It looked like it was dripping thier, but I thought no freaking way it would leak thier.

 

I got the front output shaft seal put on this afternoon. The old one I took out had two thin rubber washers inbetween the t-case seal and the yoke. The new ones came with a thick felt pad. I didn't know how much to tighten the yoke nut. If I did it too tight, the felt pad compressed and stuck the yoke. If I did it too loose, there was slop in the yoke.

Does anyone know the exact torque spec on the yoke nut with felt gasket installed?

For now I have it tightened down until the felt just starts to rub. I can still turn the yoke freely in neutral. It doesn't seem to be leaking, but I don't want to chew up my new seal if I guessed wrong.