I need to change the rear main seal. Leaking and getting worse.

I would need to drop the trans to do the gasket. I don't have a lift, so I'll be working with floor jacks and jack stands.

The truck isn't worth much, so my rule of thumb has been I only do repairs if I can do them myself.

I can park it in the garage for a week or so if needed. This is a 3rd vehicle, so time is not the issue.

Is it feasable for a do-it-yourself guy like me to do this job? In my garage, using jackstands and a floorjack?

Thanks,
JS

 

Is there a question somewhere in that post? I didn't see one.

 

Yes, how hard is it to do this job?

 

It's pretty straightforward. There is room around it to work. The hardest part is that the trans weighs over 250 lbs, so you will need a low profile trans jack, or some REALLY big arms!

 

I highly recommend pulling the ENGINE instead of the trans. Get it all unbolted & then rent an engine hoist for a day or 2. When you get the engine out, replace the pan gasket & inspect the engine mounts, valve cover gaskets, freeze plugs, exhaust manifolds, & EGR pipe.

Before you pull the engine away from the trans, unbolt the torque converter & push it back into the trans. NEVER pull or install an engine with the TC attached.



BTW
Spray a few cans of Gunk Engine Brite on it & take it to a car wash a few days before you start working on it. You'll thank me later...

 

Wow. This is turning into a big job! Dropping the trans seemed easier, but I am sure you have good reason to suggest pulling the engine.

On this vehicle, can I pull the engine w/ everything attached to it? Drain the cooling system, disconnect the various lines, cables, etc. Hoping I can leave the AC system charged.