Hey guys,

I tried searching (between phone calls at work ) but couldn't seem to find a straight answer...

anyway, I'm swapping out a transmission in a 96 4x4, and figured I would change the main seal at the same time. I found write-ups and articles explaining that the seal is a 2 piece and doesn't require removal of the tranny. BUT, I'm taking it out anyway. Can I change the seal without removing the oil pan, etc. if I already have the tranny out?

 

No. The oil pan has to come off

 

X 2. Your rear main seal in under your rear main cap which is directly under the rear part of your oil pan. Usually when it's time to do a rear main seal, it's time to do an oil pan gasket, too, anyway.

 

Yeah...the rear seal is fairly simple to do and even simpler if you have the tranny out (clearance room to work with). BuckB91XJ and Jeep Bandit are correct...your pan has to come off.
I saw a good write-up (actually links to YouTube videos on the subject) here.

 

It does help if you have an extra set of hands to get the oil pan back on. The inline six pan is long an ackward to hold up by yourself. At least it was for me, but I am 6'2" and weigh 300lbs. which makes for a TIGHT fit!! LOL!! The rear seal was a breeze, but the pan wanted to kick my can.. Also make sure that you torque everyting down to factory specs.

 

My dad had these things that were plastic and you threaded them into the block in like the 4 corners and then you put the Pam up and they chick in and hold it. I have no idea what they are called though. They look kinda like this. =<== and the "<" closes one direction but locks it in the other.

 

Those are called Snap-ups....and are a HUGE time saver.

 

RMS removal/install. remove one half of the old seal with needle nose. take one half of the new seal and lube it, face it the right direction and insert to push out the other half of the old seal. then repeat to fit the second half of the new seal in. off set where the the 2 halfs where they meet so they are not inline with the pan/block seal.

 

Sorry if this is the wrong spot to ask this, but I'm trying to find out if my 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a 1-piece or 2-piece RMS, and if I need to pull the tranny to replace it. The Jeep garage said they have to pull it and want $710 to do the job. I have seen no oil leaks and just went 3500 miles between oil changes without an issue...am I getting raked??
Thanks for the help!

 

Great summary. Thanks for the info.

Flash

 

You're getting taken for a ride. Read the previous posts in this thread...especially the one right...above...yours!

 

I just got my main seal replaced because it was leaking fluids, so i would recomend that you do the same. Suburbans have the same problem, but its an easy fix.

 

I think I AM getting taken for a ride. But I'd like to know for sure if the tranny has to come out; which I think depends on if the current RMS is in one or two pieces. Can't find anything that will tell me that for the 2003 Grand Cherokee. Of course, the shop will tell me that the tranny has to come out and that it will take all day long. At the very least, I cancelled the appointment and will shop around.

 

Sure way to find out is drop the oil pan and try to pull it half the seal out. be gentle and dont damage it, may have to reuse it if it is a one piece. and you will need to "space the trans if it is a one piece.

spacing the trans is supporting and disconnecting drive line, tcase, trans, and sliding it back so you can get the one piece out. all stuff can be done in the driveway with a friend or 2.

beer and steaks... sure fire way to get the guys over, then suprise em with the task of wrenching once there.

 

Here is your main seal...#2 is the RMS: