Preferred SYE Output Shaft Seal?

[DWR]

HI everyone,
Let me start off by saying that I have searched up and down for some kind of definitive answer for this but only ended up with conflicting answers.

So I have a transfer case leak that I am pretty certain is coming from the rear output shaft seal. One of the prior owners installed a SYE kit that I believe is a rugged ridge kit (mainly because of the green seal) pics below. I’d like to avoid buying another RR seal because it appears everyone believes they are terrible.
So my first question is if anyone can help me identify which SYE kit I have for sure, or does that even matter when it comes to getting the correct seal?

My second question is what is the preferred/ best seal for my application? I have came across several different suggestions, with some oddly looking very different than others.

 

[tworley]

The one on my JB Conversions super short SYE is also green. There are multiple manufacturers. Just pick up any output shaft seal you can find for a 231. With that said, your output shaft doesnt appear to be leaking? I would clean up the transfercase best you can and then look for where the leak is coming from

 

[EzPeezy]

My guess would be that a lot of SYE kits would use the same seal. I may be wrong.

Mine has a teraflex SYE and the seal part number from them is 231104. $12 each a few months ago.

 

[DWR]

The one on my JB Conversions super short SYE is also green. There are multiple manufacturers. Just pick up any output shaft seal you can find for a 231. With that said, your output shaft doesnt appear to be leaking? I would clean up the transfercase best you can and then look for where the leak is coming from

Yea I know it doesn’t look like it right now... I had to let her sit for a little bit while I delt with some other (more important) financial endeavors. When I noticed it though the whole rear axle and gas tank skid plate were covered in fluid. Also fluid was slung around all over onto the muffler etc; exactly where the output shaft comes out/seal is. I really can’t think of what else it could be.

 

[DWR]

See that dark stain on the muffler?... Thats were it slung and started burning on the muffler.

 

[06TJ35's]

See that dark stain on the muffler?... Thats were it slung and started burning on the muffler.

I thought it wasn’t leaking either but I did notice the wet spot on the muffler.

 

[Sj's TJ]

Once you replace the seal, make sure you put a bit of RTV on the splines before you slide the yoke back on and tighten her down.

 

[DWR]

Any trick to pulling the old seal out? It doesn’t have a lip to it like all the videos I can find. Can’t figure out a way to safely remove it.

 

[Goatman]

Get a seal remover. Handy little bugger. It can catch the side of a seal and then pry it out easily. Or an old screwdriver (flat tip) can often work too.

 

[DWR]

Get a seal remover. Handy little bugger. It can catch the side of a seal and then pry it out easily. Or an old screwdriver (flat tip) can often work too.

Thanks, I ended being able to get it out with a flat head screwdriver, a little wedge to place behind it for leverage, and a hammer to slowly go around and tap it out. Also, for anyone who my need the info in the future. Part number 18676.62 worked for me. I got this P# directly from rugged ridge’s website for the non-mega version of their SYE, which according the the best info I can find should be able to be used with any other manufacturers non-hack-n-tap SYE kit (unless a mega short version).

Just installed it last night with no issues, doesn’t leak after a small test drive... we will see if it holds up though. Note: Make sure to install with the side having a bit of a metal lip facing outwards.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FPYF6U/?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[Igoo65]

I am dealing with the same issue on my JB Conversion SSSYE. To find the actual leak, Clean the transfer case with brake cleaner, blow the area dry with an air hose, then take a can of spray body powder (Goldbond) and spray the area around the output shaft and anywhere you think it may be leaking. Drive it around at highway speeds and it will show where the leak is. Mine is leaking around the outside of the seal around the output shaft. The seal they use is a green seal also.

 

[DWR]

I am dealing with the same issue on my JB Conversion SSSYE. To find the actual leak, Clean the transfer case with brake cleaner, blow the area dry with an air hose, then take a can of spray body powder (Goldbond) and spray the area around the output shaft and anywhere you think it may be leaking. Drive it around at highway speeds and it will show where the leak is. Mine is leaking around the outside of the seal around the output shaft. The seal they use is a green seal also.

Very good info and idea with the spray body powder! Never thought of that one before! You may or may not be able to solve your leak by re-cleaning it with brake cleaner then “mushing” a bit of high temp RTV in between where the housing and seal meet. If you do install a new seal, be sure to add a very thin coat of rtv on the outer edge of the new seal before installing. Also liberally (but not overly so) the shaft and yolk splines and put rtv under the rubber star washer.

 

[Igoo65]

I have already pulled it apart and put the new seal in. Yes I did put the RTV around the outside of the seal. Hopefully it will work.

 

[tworley]

Thanks for the part number. Mine has a very slow seep, not enough to deal with it yet.

 

[chino1969]

I am dealing with the same issue on my JB Conversion SSSYE. To find the actual leak, Clean the transfer case with brake cleaner, blow the area dry with an air hose, then take a can of spray body powder (Goldbond) and spray the area around the output shaft and anywhere you think it may be leaking. Drive it around at highway speeds and it will show where the leak is. Mine is leaking around the outside of the seal around the output shaft. The seal they use is a green seal also.
View attachment 119220
View attachment 119221

Never would have thought to use Goldbond body powder. Thanks! Great tool box tip.

 

[Matrix311]

I have the exact same issue with fluid all over my rear axle, muffler, control arms, gas tank skid and my tranafercase is very low in fluid. I also have a green seal and an np241. Now that it's been a few years, did that fix your leak? I'm also assuming it's the rear output shaft seal that blew and flung ATF fluid everywhere. Any feedback is appreciated.

 

[Igoo65]

I have the exact same issue with fluid all over my rear axle, muffler, control arms, gas tank skid and my tranafercase is very low in fluid. I also have a green seal and an np241. Now that it's been a few years, did that fix your leak? I'm also assuming it's the rear output shaft seal that blew and flung ATF fluid everywhere. Any feedback is appreciated.

Yes that did fix my leak and it is still dry to this day.

 

[Matrix311]

Yes that did fix my leak and it is still dry to this day.

Perfect, thank you for the update! I'm working on getting mine replaced. I assumed that was the case. Much appreciated.