I have to replace the oil pan because the old owner striped the drain plug

 

Well the rear main is just like any other seal after you get the tranny and flywheel outta the way

 

Hardest part is getting the oil pan off. So if you already have to do that, you DEFINITELY should do the rear main seal. Do a search on it, I remember seeing a few good threads on it but I'm on my phone right now so I can't give you a link

 

I thought all I have to do is drop the pan

 

Don't need to touch the tranny to do the rear main since the rear main is a 2 piece for our motors

 

You are correct

 

What's the best way to get it out ?

 

4.0L uses a 2 piece rear main, no need for transmission removal.

its not that hard, if your lifted it'll be easier.

1. drop the pan...obviously drain it first lol, had to put that in cause sadly i guarantee there are people out there who probably wouldnt do that.

2. remove the cap and remove the bottom half of the seal if it doesnt come off with it

3. get a small drift punch place it on the steel core of the seal and tap it VERY carefully and it should slide out the other side.....I cant stress the fact enough to be CAREFUL with the punch around the crank, cause you DO NOT want to slip and hit it and risk gouging the crank or you could be in for a lot of hassle.

4. oil up your new seal and work it in there by hand and finish it off with the punch.

5. when putting the pan back on remember to use the cross pattern and re-tighten it in a week or so or it will leak.

id recomend replacing the other seals in this area while your at it

 

A lot of people have trouble dropping the pan actually, sometimes the front axle gets in the way. I've heard of some removing the starter and being able to get it out that way. Others had to get the axle to droop some. I'm not sure.

I'd drain the oil and start taking out the bolts and see what needs to be done. Maybe you'll get lucky and it'll come right out

 

Can't you just tap the drain plug hole?

 

I have an 89 Cherokee Laredo and I need the rear main replaced. I saw online you can use a plastic straw to make a "shoe horn" type tool to help guide the seal in if anyone has problems with that. Some seal "kits" come with a little cardboard horn too.

 

The bad part is the drain plug is stripped. So what I was gonna do is drill a hole in the pan to drain the oil. Also what's the best oil to use? I have 184000 miles.

 

Just the head of the plug is stripped? If so just use vise-grips and take it out and replace the plug. Sounds like you are going to to a lot of unnecessary work.

 

No the bolt just spins in the pan. Left or right. The head is fine

 

What have you tried to get it out?