Leaking fluid from my transmission

Well, I’m back but asking a new question. I’m the guy with the 94 Ranger that asked 2 questions before this here recently. Today, I was driving home from a job (a 3-1/2 hour drive) and thought I heard a “crack” as I pulled away from the pump after a fill up. I drove another hour-plus and when I got home, noticed leaking from under the truck at a joint between the engine and the transmission, right near the oil drain plug. It increased a lot when I restarted the engine. Am I looking at a new Tranny? Also, wondering how I was able to drive for over an hour if the “Cracking” noise I heard was related to this leak - but it may not have been. Thanks.