1996 J30- 61k miles- transmission LEAK!

[steverinaz]

Greetings all; Bought the wife a 96 J30 (local dealership- 30 day/3k mile warranty) with 61k miles, documented service records since new, 1 owner. Carfax is clean...beautiful car, rides handles well. Early bday present! Took it for a ride tonight (1 day after we bought it) and coming up a grade, noticed smoke, tons of it. Pulled over, transmission fluid. Tow driver got it up and without a flashlight, couldn't tell where the leak was. My suspicion is the rear output seal, but it was dark...there's a gasket between the transmission and the tailshaft-possible leak there? Anyone had a similar experience or can point out what the cause might be?

[coolyun_98]

Rear main seal or oil pan seal tend to leak quite early on J.

Do you notice smoke? Where does the smoke come from?

[steverinaz]

Well, after a thorough inspection, the transmission was overfilled by 3 quarts. The uphill grade (6%) and the overflow caused the excess to blow out the vent...drained it out, gonna giver her another test tomorrow!

Thanks!

[yodawill2000]

Good deal ..Always good to check fluid levels often.