My rear main is leaking. Parts house gave me a kit that has a seal pre-mounted in the plate. So the question is:
Any special tools needed?
From what I recall it is , a:remove drive shaft,tranny b:unbolt seal plate c:replace with new seal plate. The oil pan stays in place.
Some have a special tool for the seal only, this plate is to allow replacement without the press tool as seen in this video

 

Never had to replace one in my truck but in my signature there are links to threads where you can download a free copy of the service manual that will walk you through everything

 

Well, I tried the manuals but I got nothing but ads for a download manager. The manual would not start to download just hung up.
So my mechanic tells me that the tool is still require, sort of pointless to have to pay $100 for a seal mounted in a plate that suppose to eliminate the tool.

That boys, is some hookie engineering. BTW 66K and it leaks. Thinking I should have bought a Toyota.

 

You think a Toyota doesn't leak? LoL

 

I figure if we keep bumping this thread we may get an answer to the tool question. The "normal " pricing on a seal is around $30, I paid over $100 for this one. Its a dealer item.

 

I just did my seal and was worried about the shaft balance more than anything.... But I marked everything up so I can realign it pulled the old seal out with a flat head and hammer,cleaned up the old oil out of the seal area, used a little gear oil to lube everything up and nicely tap the new seal in and I've did this in the beginning of June and still no leaks and no shaking on the highway( I bought it up to a lil over 80) it's actually really easy as long as you torque everything and line up your marks

 

194K and no leaks on my 5.7, none on the 5.9 either!

 

After install, I would run the engine before bolting everything back up. Only enough to run and test for leaks.


Mileage is not an accurate measurement on when seals leak.

Seal life is dependant on a few main factors:
1)climate temps & engine temps (Texas is very hot. Lots of heat makes seals brittle)
2)dirty oil (Texas is very dry. Dry means dust. Dust makes engine oil very dirty rather quick)
3)seating position
4)how old the seal is (2007 is 8yrs old now)