See photos below. I cleaned off everything after changing fluid, so accumulation is only from the past two weeks. Most noticeable around seal of the diff cover. Didn't notice anything at the pinion/flange. Minor accumulation at LH/driver inner CV joint and at axle tube/passenger side. Had to consider a leak trickling down from somewhere else, but engine and everything else looks dry. Obviously, with a functioning breather, it shouldn't be under pressure. I would still think that a flimsy breather tube would be the weakest link here in terms of pressure if it were to build up. Now it's just a question of leave as-is and monitor fluid level, have diff shop attempt to rebuild w/ seal/bearing kit (assuming 6-8 hrs of shop time total), or look into new or used unit.

Note: I've been driving around with skid plate off past week to monitor leaks on garage floor/cardboard. It's definitely slowed to only a drop or two per day. Should have taken photos before recent rain, so that's some of what you're seeing.


Accumulation around bottom of diff

Underside of diff

Axle tube facing passenger side

LH (driver) inner CV joint

 

I would look for a hole or something like a crack in that boot. On the diff filler you could put some Teflon tape on the thread and re-tighten it. No oil should come out if only the required amount was put in

 

Keep in mind if you do sell the car later on you can always include the iiDTool as part of the deal and recover much of the purchase price.

Some recommend that you reset adaptive learning if you clean the MAP and/or throttle body. That should clear up the P2097 and maybe the P0420.

I had an 07 HSE with the P0420 code I fought for more than a year. At the recommendation of some on the UK forum, I finally put a spacer on the down stream O2 sensor. The code stayed off for about 3 months, but I cannot say for sure that it fixed the problem because the car got sat in water up to the door handles for a week during Hurricane Harvey, I will never know for sure.

As for the front diff, most of what I have read is: if you keep oil in them they will continue to run, just run loudly. at some point you will hate the noise and get it fixed. Not saying it won't lock, just saying it is not likely. Remember these diffs (front and back) were first built by Dana the US truck axle/diff company, so you can expect them to whine for a long time before they die.

Jeff

 

Thanks for the feedback guys. I think I've got a good plan of action now. On the diff, had it last replaced in Austin after the noise became unbearable. If they filled to the fill hole, that could explain the leaks. I've got the proper amount of oil in now and no leaks at the plugs, so hoping some of what I'm seeing may have been residual from before I flushed everything.

Jeff, I'm formerly from Houston. Sorry to hear about the damage from Harvey! Hope you didn't sustain any other major property damage. From hurricanes to the massive rainstorms and bayous swelling over, a Rover is about the safest bet for a vehicle that can handle Houston weather!

 

Did you ever get your old MPG back? what was the true cause? dirty injectors, plugs? And curious what the new differential with labor cost you.