The driver side driveshaft is badly leaking where it joins the gearbox. The metal flange doesn't seem to sit flush against the shaft opening, and a rubber o-ring seal is visible. Is it likely the seal is dead or will I have to replace the whole shaft? Oil is literally everywhere - exhaust, bellhousing, chassis so It must be spurting a fair bit. I have been keeping revs low to reduce oil loss.

I will get some pics up

The very outer edge of the seal is visable normally, and there is a 1/2mm gap between the seal gaurd and the seal. I would say the seal is just worn and failed badly, but running it like this can damage the seal mating surface, and mean a new seal wont work well, if at all, meaning you have to replace the shaft.

Oil leaking from a driveshaft will be sprayed in a pattern, a big circle around the gearbox opening. Don't assume its that seal, as there are a number of other things that can leak, and air movement can spread it a long way. Does oil level in the gearbox drop, or does the engine use oil? Degrease it and run it for a km, then look again. If you are sure its the driveshaft pull it out and replace the seal, and check the driveshaft itself where the seal sits for damage. Your description of the driveshaft is as it should be. The rubber o ring you describe is the seal itself, the metal flange should have a gap between it and the oil seal.

I dont know how to check the level of oil in a manual box, I have only had it in a couple of weeks.

My engine oil level is dropping faster than expected, having to top it up quite regularly to keep it on max.

I am sure it is the driveshaft, the block and heads seems pretty dry, and all the fresh oil looks to be around the where the shaft meets the box and was clearly a few drips hanging around the gearbox brace underneath. I was checking all over this over a pit, so i could get a damn good look at everything.

http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww202/cybermonkey24/IMG_0174.jpg

http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww202/cybermonkey24/IMG_0175.jpg

http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww202/cybermonkey24/IMG_0176.jpg

if it is the transmission oil, you should be able to smell the difference,
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but otherwise, to check the level, look at the front of the gearbox, there will be a big bolt (19 or 22 or something) that says oil on it, (there is 2, one doesnt say oil and its smaller, dont undo this one), undo it, and you should be able to see, feel the oil very close or flowing out of the bottom of that hole.

and keeping the revs down wont change whether or not it leaks, it is speed and smoothness/amount of acceleration or gear changes.

I would avoid driving if possible, reduce the chance of scouring the seal mating surface on the shaft. although i think it needs to be left for quite awhile before it does any damage. id keep checking the box oil level to see how much its actually losing, and to verify its from there.

thanks mate, It will sit on the drive this week until I can figure out what to do with it :(

Hi guys was there a resolution? Just wondering what turned out to be the cause of the leak im looking at a TJ manual right now with exactly the same thing as shown in the pictures.

The cause was the actual seal being worn, seal was replaced and no more leaks

There should be a small amount of gap there so as the metal dust plate does not wear out the seal as it is not lubricated externally

Yes its been dry as a bone since the seals were changed