I have a 96 Country with the HO 4ltr engine. The truck has about 76000 miles on it. The front seal is leaking on it pretty good. I'm wondering what issues can I expect to run into as far as changing the seal? It looks as tho once I remove the radiator and belt, that I can get to the front of the engine fairly easily. Has anyone done this, and what special tools (if any) will I possibly need?

 

You may find a groove worn into the balancer. There is a speedy sleeve available to repair it, or you may want to replace the balancer.

 

looking at youtube videos, it looks as tho I will have to pull the balancer, then the timing chain cover. Am I correct that I also have to pull the timing chain and the lower gear prior to gaining access to the seal?

 

The seal is in the front cover right behind the balancer.

 

On most engines, you can pick the seal out without removing the cover. IDK about the 4.0 because I've never done one. You'll probably need a puller for the balancer.

 

Thanks, I should know better than to say this, but sounds simple enough.

 

The hardest part is removing the balancer.