i just wanted to post this just incase anyone else has had this problem
i have a 2001 pathfinder. i went to check the transfer case lube level the other day and when i pulled the top plug on the case oil gushed out!

i quickly replaced the plug(i maybe lost 1/2 a quart). my question is why was there so much oil in the case??? this is the first time i've checked the oil level since i bought the suv new. could it have been overfilled at the factory? am i checking the right plug? there is at top and a bottom plug on this case so i think i am???. also i had questions reguarding what type of lube/oil i should use. it looks like the old stuff is ATF fluid. the owners manual is confusing.

I have the Maintenance Manual for my 1998 Pathfinder. The manual shows the oil level at the upper plug is just below the opening. The factory installs transmission fluid. It was probably overfilled at the Dealership.

i think your right. thanks for the reply. i just wanted to get a 2nd opinion before i changed the lube