2005 F150 rear main seal replacement

[t.klapperich]

I have a 2005 F150 with a rear main seal leak. It only has 80,000 miles on it.
1. Is this normal ?
2. what kind of bill can I expect for the repairs ?
3. can this repair be done at home ?
I have taken out, rebuilt, and installed the engine, tranny and rearend on my 73 Mach 1, so I do know my way around the garage. But I have never gone beyond tune ups, shocks, brakes, hoses and belts on newer cars or trucks.

[beechkid]

If you post this on flatratetech.com you can get your answers

[dzahm]

Definetely not a common issue- I have friends with 05's that have well over 400, 000. They don't even use oil between changes (but as company trucks were well serviced) Not sure what a stealership would charge but I bets its high-

[88cougargt]

Not sure about the mod motors, but I've done several in the car now (302s and a 232 V6).

The worst part is getting the exhaust and trans out of the way. Once that's down, I gently pry out the old seal from the outside edge. Being very careful around the gasket surfaces and the crank. I use a pretty small flat blade screwdriver and slowly work it around the outside (against the block). Pulling it out evenly.

Some people drill a small hole and pull it out with a self tapping screw. I find this unnecessary.

Then I clean the socket and inspect the crank. If yours is leaking the crank might need to be sleeved. You can buy these thin bearing shells that slip over the end of the crank. Drive them on carefully with a block of wood or install tool.

Lube it up with some fresh engine oil and carefully slip the seal over. Drive it home gently with a wooden dowel or similar.

Re-install trans. Top up fluid. Done.