88' ford ranger rear main seal installation

f100matt · Post by **f100matt** » April 3, 2009, 10:48 pm

The rear main seal in my ranger has been leaking like a sive, so i am going to try and replace it this weekend. The chiltions manual i have talks about a rear main seal installation tool that runs about $100

Anyone know of an easyer way and more importantly cheaper way reinstall the seal? I found an artical on FTE about a homemade tool, anyone here try it?
http://www.ford-trucks.com/article/idx/ ... _tool.html

thanks

88' ranger, 2.3 I4, 5 speed

Post by **Greg D** » April 3, 2009, 11:49 pm

That job is no fun on a 2.3. Another option would be to loosen the main caps just enough to slip the seal in and then re torque them (you would of course need to remove the oil pan). You may be able to work it in gently with a screwdriver too just to start it and the with the plastic cap tool and a rubber mallet to seat it.

64fordf100292v8 · Post by **64fordf100292v8** » April 4, 2009, 2:29 am

An 88 2.3 should be one piece I believe, would just require removing the trans.

Wish I was at the shop, have a 87 2.3 ranger engine sitting on the floor.

f100matt · Post by **f100matt** » April 4, 2009, 9:15 am

Yea, i will have to remove the transmission, clutch and flywheel. I need to remove the pan anyway, might as well replace the gasket while i got it all torn apart. I am hoping i can replace it while the engine is in the truck, but if all else fails.......

Chico1961 · Post by **Chico1961** » April 4, 2009, 4:33 pm

Do not buy the tool, you can do the job w/o it. Go to a plumbing supply store, take your new rear main seal, I don't remember the exact o/d. Buy a pvc cap that fits on the seal perfectly, install a plug on the threaded part, now you have a perfect inataller, you can whack the plug part with a medium sledgy. Clean around the crank area with B12. Coat the outside edge of the seal with aviation glue or yellow snot. Pack the inside of the seal with bearing grease, helps hold the spring in place and lubricates it. Evenly tap the seal until flush or bottoms out. The trick is install as even as you can. You are right it is a one piece seal Good luck. It will last as long as original ,if not longer.

Chico1961 · Post by **Chico1961** » April 4, 2009, 4:36 pm

You can do the pan gasket and rear main. You may have to raise the engine a little to slide pan out. After that you are home free.

Chico1961 · Post by **Chico1961** » April 4, 2009, 4:47 pm

Slick brothers, I am jacking with the digital camera, trying to load pics of my 62uni. Won't take them, say's they are too big. What am I doin wrong! Been trying to load pics since I became a member. I am stu--- when it comes to computor crap, unless it's on a car, and even then I have to carry my sack lunch.