I have seen several threads about replacing the rear main seal on the 5.2L motor with an auto trans, however I have the manual and 4WD. My question is can the same procedure be followed, not having to pull the front axle as the Haynes manual suggests? This is the procedure I was going to follow:

http://www.pavementsucks.com/tech-article-31.html

I have a definite leak, oil dripping from between the pan and down along the bellhousing of the transmission. I am planning to replace the oil pan gasket, oil pump and rear main seal. I don't want to have to raise the motor or remove the front axle if possible, but I don't want to get into this and find out that is what I have to do. Does anyone have experience with this?

 

Giving this a bump, nobody has experience replacing the rear main seal on a dakota 5.2L with a manual transmission and 4wd??

 

I don't see how you can get the oil pan off without removing the axle. Even on the 4x2 (and with the 3.9) you have to remove the engine mounts. There's just not enough room under there.

Hope it helps.