I have a 95 4X4 auto with a 5L engine and 95,000 miles, that has a leaking rear main seal. I have the equipment to either pull the engine or the transmission. Which is the easier or quicker route to get to the seal? Any problems to look out for in either method?

 

I would much rather pull a trans than an engine. I've seen trans guys who could have a trans out in 15 min. Now I know they are well experienced and have exactly the equipment they need, but I've never seen a heavy line mechanic that could have an engine out in 15 min. I am assuming the rear seal is one piece?

Opps, I just noticed you have 4WD. That will make a difference but I still think I would rather pull the trans. How bad is the leak? Have you ever considered Auto-RX? It is not real cheap but Lexus has had a problem with the rear main seal getting as hard as a rock and leaking (in the RX). When I changed it in my DIL's RX it was like a piece of granite and had cut a pretty good grove in the C/S. Many have used Auto-RX to clean the engine when they have slugging problems and it has resoftened the seal and stopped the leak. It is some pretty amazing stuff.

 

I'd pull the tranny. If you have 2 guys doing it it can be done in a day that way..

 

I'd drop the tranny and transfer case as one unit. You should have plenty of ground clearance to get it out. I would suggest gauging the rear main engine bearing while you have it out. Usually the leaking rear main seal is the symptom of a rear bearing going away. If you have excess play in the rear bearing, the front bearing in the tranny is also going be to bad. Replacing the bearing and seal is easy while you have it out. Considering the mileage, I'd go thru the tranny and transfer case replacing all seals and giving it a good cleaning. Probably last ya another 95,000 miles. The R&R on it is pretty much straight forward and I can't think of any glitches other than the seal between the tranny and transfer case can be a bugger to get aligned and the two mated without the seal getting whacko. If you break them apart, I'd put them back together before putting them in the truck.

 

Thanks for the input. I researched the Auto-Rx and decided to give it a shot before going to the labor of pulling the tranny.