rear main on a 1994 4.0L OHV

[monkeydude3]

Hello all~
I have a 1994 Explorer XL 4.0L OHV 5 speed manual 2wd. I'm pretty sure my rear main is starting to leak... ::sigh:: has anyone replaced this seal before? I know the trans has to come out, that part I'm comfortable with (done it a dozen freaking times on this thing) but does the engine really have to come out to replace the rear main? Or is there some trick to doing it with the engine in. Also, would this be a good time to replace the oil pan gasket as well? I figure I have a 5 speed manual, two wheel drive.... the trans just pops out and bam there is the back of the engine, so that part isn't bad.

Thanks all

George

 

[monkeydude3]

*bump*

 

[MrShorty]

I would expect that the rear main seal should be readily accessed with the engine in the vehicle and the transmission/clutch/flywheel removed.

 

[monkeydude3]

Excellent. I went on alldata and that supports your response.

Next week I believe I will take the truck to my auto class and make use of our hydraulic in ground lifts and replace the rear main seal. Anything I should look for?

I presume a new clutch assembly will be a must considering I've felt the clutch shudder, so that probably means it has oil on it. We bought the clutch from autozone with a LIFETIME WARRANTY, so it will be no problem to get a new one. The rear main seal however I will spend the extra few bucks and go to Ford direct.
Thanks all, if anyone has any tips or pointers for this rear main seal job let me know.

George