1997 Pathfinder 3.3L 4x4 Oil leak (217k miles)

[AR97Pathfinder]

Hello everyone. I've had an oil leak on my Pathfinder for several years now, but it has gotten worse recently. The oil primarily leaks out once the engine is turned off, on flat ground and downhill. I replaced the valve cover gaskets recently, it was not leaking, but I simply replaced them when I had the intakes off. Upon looking underneath, there is a notable amount of oil on the pan, especially at the front and rear of the pan by the lip seals. Oil is on the housing of the tranmssion, but I suspect it is originating from the oil pan. I'm certain it is the oil pan and skeptical of it possibly being the rear main seal. I had the rear main seal replaced about 8 years ago. Vehicle has no other problems aside from some minor rocker panel rust that I plan on fixing. There is no other rust or rotten areas on the underside as I tried my best since it was new to keep that clean in the wintertime. 

 

I took the vehicle to the shop and was quoted $1500 (Queens, nyc) to drop the front diff and tramission to replace the oil pan gasket, rear main seal, front transmission seal, and motor mounts. Does the transmission have to be dropped on these pathfinders to repalce the oil pan seal? If not I may just tackle the oil pan for now. I would have continued to live with this leak, but it's just getting worse and making a mess of the driveway and anywhere I park on the street in my neighborhood. 

 

Please let me know what you guys think of the quote and if its worth it to drop the trans now too. 

 

Thank you 

Edited July 22, 2024 by AR97Pathfinder