Rear Main or Pan Gasket?

[Rearanger]

***Update***

I put the truck up on ramps and was able to see above and behind the starter with a mirror. The oil leak was actually from an oil filter adapter I installed to a dual filter setup. The seal was worn and oil was leaking along the upper pan gasket lip and travelling down the bell housing/oil pan. After installing an o-ring on the adapter there appears to be no oil trace so far.

I still don't absolve Ford's customer service which could have been more helpful and a dealer inspection/verification would have found the leak source. If it was the rear main/pan gasket I was not looking for full payment from Ford, just some help and at least an offer (considering the mileage) which would have gone a lot further to keeping good relations.

At 45k I've just noticed an oil leak that appears to be from the rear main seal. On a Goggle/Ranger Station search it could also/or be the pan gasket or cam plug. A visual inspection showed the top end dry with no oil trace. My question is how possible is it to be the rear main over the rear of the pan gasket, or the cam plug? Some web info says cam plug problem should have been fixed by Ford on my year truck?? It also seems that no matter the problem the fix will need the engine removed - correct?

 

[fourwheelford]

I changed my pan gasket and now I have a very small leak coming from the same place that yours is, im pretty sure mine is a lack of getting the block or pan completely clean do to changing it with the motor in the truck and now I have a small leak. I read in my haynes that all you have to do for the rear main seal is remove the tranny which is a great deal easier than the motor. If your truck has a suspension lift you can do the pan gasket with the motor in the truck but you have to unbolt the tranny and move it back about 3 inches for the rear of the pan to clear the torque converter dust cover. Its still kind of a PITA but if you don't have a hoist or the ability to pull a motor than its about the only way to do it short of paying for it.

 

[Rearanger]

I spoke with the service manager where I purchased the truck and he said has some money from Ford to help with situations like this. Clearly there is a known issue with Ford and the rear main. Unfortunately the serial number put me 3 months outside the build date cutoff for him to offer anything. But clearly this leak has been going on for more than 3 months. I went through the usual frustration talking to Ford customer service where the lady on the phone did not even know what a rear main seal was. Ford said piss off - so I say to Ford; this was my first Ford and my first American vehicle - it will be my last!

 

[fourwheelford]

I have heard bad things about fords CS and I will never buy a brand new one because of it. Once I upgrade to a better rig it will not be a ford. You would think they would want to keep the customers they have instead of running them off but I guess everyone has their own strategy

 

[Rearanger]

See first post update on problem.