So it finally started....

[Twizzler09]

Yes, after 210,00 miles and 13 years, it finally happened. My Ranger has fallen victim to the leaky rear main.

Went to replace the Right Outer tie rod and do both upper/lower ball joints...when I happened to notice some brown-ish liquidy stuff dripping off the bellhousing. Oh Joy. Upon inspection it was deemed that the rear main is leaking (Not to mention at the very same time I noticed globs of power steering fluid leaking from somewhere near the pump, ARGH!)

So, anyone got a good way to replace it? I've heard of some people pulling the motor out to do it, but can't I just drop the tranny and do it that way? Seems it'd be easier in my mind...

Open to suggestions here, throw em at me!

 

[Sevensecondsuv]

How bad is it leaking? If it's only at a managable rate, I'd just leave it and keep the oil level up and drive it for another 100000 miles. A leaky rear main can keep the chasis well lubed and rust free.

 

[Twizzler09]

Its not much, its been about 3 months since my last oil change, and the dipstick still shows full. Just small amounts that like to gather on the bottom of the oil pan/bellhousing area. Some of it drips onto a heatshiled on the exhast.

Not worried about running out of oil or anything, just annoying to know that I have an oil leak. If it gets bad then I'll get around to messing with it.

Now that I think about it.... I'm planning on taking a trip to visit my family in Kansas in January, end up being about 950 miles round trip. This thing isn't suddenly gonna give out on me is it?

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Mine's been leaking like that for over 40,000km's now, never gets any worse, just a couple drips on the bell housing. Not enough for me to bother wasting my time to change.

 

[Ozwynn]

any time you take the transmission out you should replace everything you can afford. unless you just replaced everything and the transmission dies, no sense in replacing a 3 month old clutch or rear main.

 

[Evan]

This thing isn't suddenly gonna give out on me is it?

Highly unlikely. I've had my fair share of leaky seals on many cars, and never had one just "give out". The leaks progress slowly.

 

[Twizzler09]

Highly unlikely. I've had my fair share of leaky seals on many cars, and never had one just "give out". The leaks progress slowly.

Ah, thats good. Wont worry about it turning into a seive on my road trip, then.

If I pulled the trans, probably end up doing a clutch. The one thats in there now is nearing 4 years old and its got about 50k on it. Still work fine but I guess it wouldn't hurt. Slave is brand new, one year old almost to the day and about 7k miles.

Looks like I'm just gonna leave it sit until I start having to add a quart every few weeks or so. Hopefully have everything assembled for my V8-swap before then, though. Want to get it done before the TRS 10yr