I have a 2000 Dodge Ram van 1500, V8 5.2L

I just got a $1000 quote to replace the freeze caps which are leaking because the mechanic says he needs to remove the transmission to get to two of the caps that are between the engine and the trans. Is this the case? Is there any other way to fix this? (janky or legit solutions both accepted). Any other thoughts?

Thanks everyone!

 

If they are seeping, you need to pull the engine or transmission to get to the ones on the rear. He's right about that. Evidently, someone in the past didn't keep the antifreeze changed when it should have been. Every 3 to 5 years to keep the anticorrosion up to date. If it were, my vehicle, I'd pull the engine and do all the other stuff that needs attention. Besides the expansion plugs, if it's over 120,000 miles, I'd put a timing set in it and maybe a high volume (NOT high pressure) oil pump.

If it's an old beater you're just trying to make last a little longer, like tax time, and you aren't looking for a long term repair, I've used Barr's Leak to seal leaks in the rear on the engine. You run the risk of plugging your heater core with it though.

 

super helpful, thanks!

 

Yes, I did mine. I pulled the transmission. If I recall, there were two of them and they were 2 different sizes. A sealer wont fix it. I went to remove mine and I could push my finger through what was left. Also rinsed all the rust and junk that accumulated behind them with a water hose and flushed the block out real good.
While he is there pull the torque converter out of the transmission and put a new seal in the tranny. It's right there.

 

Definitely do that. Anytime the engine and transmission are separated, you want a new seal before they go back together. Otherwise, if it leaks later, it's several hours aggravation for a $20-30 part.