When it's a main, the oil pours!

[CHCRandy]

Man, I have some terrible luck. Went to do a roof today for a fellow INGO'ers girlfriend today. On the way back I am pretty sure I blew a rear main seal on my 2004 F-250, 4x4 with 5.4L......the thing is puking oil out of back of engine, but I am glad I got home. Any of you ever replaced them? I usually always do my own mechanical stuff, but not sure about this. Sounds like driveshafts, tranny and transfer case have to come out. This truck has over 400,000 miles on it. Wonder how much a mechanic would charge for fixing this? I am so busy right now, but I may have to just take a couple days and try fixing this myself......I hate to put a ton of money in it. Just wondering if any of you have ever done this. How long did it take?

Thanks!

 

[Gingerbeardman]

If you don't have a lift I'm guessing it's too much time! I'm guessing your bill will be 2500 and they'll find a few other things along the way. You must love that truck!

 

[LeftyGunner]

The rear crank shaft seal replacement requires removal of the transmission, but is a pretty easy replacement once you get to it.

I have no real experience with pickup trucks, but I did replace the transmission in my cousin’s F150 a couple years ago, and I think book time was between 8-10 hours.

It’s probably a bit more on the 3/4 ton trucks, but I wouldn’t expect a mechanic to charge more than maybe $1000-$1500, depending on their labor rate.

It‘s not something I am equipped to do, and I’m not sure I would recommend a DIY attempt on that job…I hope that helps!

 

[jkaetz]

As others have said, disconnect/remove trans, replace seal, reinstall. Not technically difficult, but the effort/labor to R&R the transmission isn't insignificant.

 

[Jaybird1980]

I would try to make sure it's the rear main before I made a plan. The 5.4 is know for oil leaks from the head gasket as well. I only know of one personally that was major, but it was major.

400k is a good run with a 5.4. Difficulty can increase depending on the condition of the truck, rust can make things much harder.

 

[CHCRandy]

I would try to make sure it's the rear main before I made a plan. The 5.4 is know for oil leaks from the head gasket as well. I only know of one personally that was major, but it was major.

400k is a good run with a 5.4. Difficulty can increase depending on the condition of the truck, rust can make things much harder.

And this one has many of rusty parts.......other than where the oil has kept them conditioned.

As others have said, disconnect/remove trans, replace seal, reinstall. Not technically difficult, but the effort/labor to R&R the transmission isn't insignificant.

Yeah, I am not looking forward to this......but no way I am putting $1000-1500 in this thing. Wish me luck, lol!

The rear crank shaft seal replacement requires removal of the transmission, but is a pretty easy replacement once you get to it.

I have no real experience with pickup trucks, but I did replace the transmission in my cousin’s F150 a couple years ago, and I think book time was between 8-10 hours.

It’s probably a bit more on the 3/4 ton trucks, but I wouldn’t expect a mechanic to charge more than maybe $1000-$1500, depending on their labor rate.

It‘s not something I am equipped to do, and I’m not sure I would recommend a DIY attempt on that job…I hope that helps!

Thanks for your opinion. I am not looking forward to this......guess I will just start with transfer case removal and see how it goes from there.....maybe a tow truck ride to a real mechanic or the scrap yard!

If you don't have a lift I'm guessing it's too much time! I'm guessing your bill will be 2500 and they'll find a few other things along the way. You must love that truck!

I dont have a lift........but the good thing is it sits about 3 feet off the ground. Good for removing bolts.......bad for lowering the tranny I imagine.

 

[LeftyGunner]

And this one has many of rusty parts.......other than where the oil has kept them conditioned.

Yeah, I am not looking forward to this......but no way I am putting $1000-1500 in this thing. Wish me luck, lol!

Thanks for your opinion. I am not looking forward to this......guess I will just start with transfer case removal and see how it goes from there.....maybe a tow truck ride to a real mechanic or the scrap yard!

I dont have a lift........but the good thing is it sits about 3 feet off the ground. Good for removing bolts.......bad for lowering the tranny I imagine.

Good luck with it. Let me know if you need a diagram or a tool you don’t have, I can probably help with either!

 

[Creedmoor]

And this one has many of rusty parts.......other than where the oil has kept them conditioned.

Yeah, I am not looking forward to this......but no way I am putting $1000-1500 in this thing. Wish me luck, lol!

Thanks for your opinion. I am not looking forward to this......guess I will just start with transfer case removal and see how it goes from there.....maybe a tow truck ride to a real mechanic or the scrap yard!

I dont have a lift........but the good thing is it sits about 3 feet off the ground. Good for removing bolts.......bad for lowering the tranny I imagine.

A Harbor Freight trans jack. Facebook marketplace when your done with it.

 

[DragonGunner]

Well if you do it then what’s next to go inside or what else is wrong that may of caused it. Maybe sell it as is to Vice Grip Garage.

 

[Creedmoor]

My brother said to buy the fel pro seal with the plastic installer ring already in the seal. He said it was about 10 more bucks, and well worth it.

 

[CHCRandy]

My brother said to buy the fel pro seal with the plastic installer ring already in the seal. He said it was about 10 more bucks, and well worth it.

Did your brother do his own? Man, this thing is unreal. I worked for an hour and didn't even get the driveshaft bolts loose.

 

[yeti rider]

If you don't wanna put 1000-1500 in it, and it's the vehicle that makes you money....,

 

[Creedmoor]

Did your brother do his own? Man, this thing is unreal. I worked for an hour and didn't even get the driveshaft bolts loose.

Yes he did, there is a lift on the farm. I would hose down every bolt and nut with Kroil or another nut buster of your choice before shutting down for the night. And I would do it twice.

 

[d.kaufman]

Did your brother do his own? Man, this thing is unreal. I worked for an hour and didn't even get the driveshaft bolts loose.

Shame you're not closer. I'd do it at my shop for an Ingo discounted price of $785

FYI. Use a little map gas on the driveshaft bolts. They have loctite on them. Doesn't take much and they'll come right out

 

[CHCRandy]

Shame you're not closer. I'd do it at my shop for an Ingo discounted price of $785

FYI. Use a little map gas on the driveshaft bolts. They have loctite on them. Doesn't take much and they'll come right out

I wish you were closer and I would gladly pay you. I got drive shafts out, transfer case skid guard out......think I am going have to remove transmission cross member to get to transfer case bolts. I am done for the night......been a long day, I am spent!! Thanks for advice!

 

[Mongo59]

I don't remember clearly but if it is one of the models with the torsion bars, you are going to have fun. Good luck.

 

[Leo]

I had changed many (too many) clutches in my 71 Skylark. After the first couple I could grab the right tools and slide under the car and it was a pretty straight forward job.

Years later I was kind of roped into helping a friend with an older, heavily worked 4X4 pickup. He was between a rock and hard spot financially so I could not turn him away. Lots of extra parts, and every bolt fought us. That was a long, long weekend laying under that truck.

You have my sympathies.

 

[CHCRandy]

Well, I think I have decided this is just not for me.....gonna suck it up and pay to have this done. Just looks like a lot more than I want to deal with, and a few shops told me $800-900. The only problem is the quickest I have found one who can do it is next Saturday.....and one said mid September. Will make a couple more calls Monday, but looks like no truck this week I hate spending $1000 on this truck, but if it gets me another 3 months..... then I can look for a new truck this winter. I hate being forced to buy a truck because I HAVE to have it......

 

[actaeon277]

Well, I think I have decided this is just not for me.....gonna suck it up and pay to have this done. Just looks like a lot more than I want to deal with, and a few shops told me $800-900. The only problem is the quickest I have found one who can do it is next Saturday.....and one said mid September. Will make a couple more calls Monday, but looks like no truck this week I hate spending $1000 on this truck, but if it gets me another 3 months..... then I can look for a new truck this winter. I hate being forced to buy a truck because I HAVE to have it......

good luck

 

[Gingerbeardman]

I'm certainly glad to hear the quote came in well under MY estimate!