what's the best way to replace rear main seal on 4.6 in 97 four wheel drive f150

 

The best way is to pull the engine and the hard way is to raise the engine slight and pull the tranny back.

 

HI!... You don't need to pull the engine at all. Since your a 4X4, you'll need to pull the driveshaft, transfer case, tranny etc. Once the tranny is off, you will have to remove the flexplate (AUTO) OR FLYWHEEL (MANUAL). After that is done you will see a aluminum cover that houses the rear main seal (crank seal). Simply undue the bolts surrounding the aluminum cover and gently pry the cover off. It's is also held on my silicone. Pop the crank seal out and install the new one. Make sure to clean all the old silicone off the cover. Must be spotless. Re apply new silicone and reinstall the cover and TQ bolts to spec. Make sure you also TQ the flexplale/flywheel bolts to spec and use locktite on the bolt threads. They tend to come loose.

REAR MAIL SEAL AND HOUSING :



FLEXPLATE :



ALUMINUM HOUSING :

 

NEAL is right on the money. Only one other thing that usually ruins an otherwise good repair. DO NOT scratch, dent, or sand, the crankshaft seal surface. Be extremely careful when you reinstall the seal over the crank. I have seen dealers change the seals and use a screwdriver to remove the seal or pry the seal in place, scratch the crank and end up installing a crank seal sleeve on the crank to stop the leaking. They make a seal installation tool that you may find at the Auto Parts store that they will let you use. Good luck.