Land Rover Repair: 2001 disco transfer box leak, engine hesitation, liquid gasket

Question
John,
I own a 01 disco II that has developed a leak that appears to be coming from somewhere around the transfer box. I've wiped it clean and taken it for a drive and when I stop there is a steady drip of red fluid coming off the bottom of the box. It looks to be coming from somewhere near the top. Three days ago the vehicle began to hesitate off of a stop. Not engine hesitate but transmission type of hesitate. I give it some gas and it takes a second to engage and move. The truck has 59k on it and around 40k I had a simalar leak fixed under warrenty. I am paranoid to go to Land Rover anymore because my last visit at 53k for a engine hesitation resulted in 3200.00 in engine work. ny ideas?

Thanks in advance. T.

Answer
****** FOLLOW UP ******
Tom,

do you know if your transfer gearbox uses synthetic oil?
Red fluid usually is transmission fluid...could it be a leak between the transmission and transfer gearbox?  I hope not.
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Hi Tom,

I've seen leaks from the transfer gearbox plate cover.  Eventually, the liquid gasket seal wears and leaks develop.  Very hard to stop this without completely removing the plate and doing a very, very good job of it.

You could have a general mechanic perform this job.  It has to sit overnight before the final tightening takes place.  Only then is the gear oil added.

I understand your hesitation...its not uncommon to read about simple $100 lub jobs turning into a major repair bill.

Best of luck,

JohnMc