MY truck drips oil out of the inspection plate under the bellhousing. I am 99% sure it is the rear main seal. Here is where I need help, what is the best way to go about replacing the rear main? Is it the kind that I have to remove the transmission and pull the flexplate, or is it incorporated into the rear main bearing cap (Which I could theoretically replace by removing the oil pan, loosening the main caps enough to get enough clearance to get the seal out (Assuming it is a two piece seal) and put the new one in. The bad thing is that I live in a trailer park and I cant work on cars in the park, and my only other alternative is to work on it in the street. I'll do it myself if it's not too involved (I really don't want to pull the transmission) but if it won't cost too much (My credit card has a $500 limit) I'll just take it to the local Dodge dealer and have them fix it. I keep oil in it and don't drive it unless needed (It doesn't leak all that bad, but enough that it leaves quite a puddle if you leave it idling for like 10-20 minutes) Anyone on here that could offer me some advice, it would be greatly appreciated. I've done engine work before so it's not like I'm a complete idiot when it comes to car stuff (I have an AAS in auto tech, plus I'm going to Wyotech but I'm going for street rod/chassis fab stuff) but I don't know a whole lot about diesels, other than the fact this truck pulls like none other! It's got just over 120,000 on the ticker, 92 extended cab long bed 4WD auto, 2nd owner, plus I have all the service records back to 92 (Sadly, I don't have the window sticker :-( )

 

Unfortunately the rear seal is a round seal that is installed behind the flywheel, so the trans does have to come out. Trans, clutch, flywheel, and adaptor plate. Good luck.

 

****... that's what I was afraid of.... Guess I'll be callin around seein what shops want to replace the seal, of course I think my friend and I can replace it, would just take us a few days (and with it frickin SNOWING here in APRIL it's kinda hard since I don't have a garage :-( grrrr