Topic: How hard is it to change the real main seal on a TJ auto?

[jcsanders79]

Got a 97 TJ auto that (I have been told) has a rear main seal leak, a bad one lately!.  How difficult is it to do, and what exactly is involved?  Its only about $200 to have someone do it and I am guessing that a lot of that is labor.

[aw12345]

remove oil pan rempve rear main bearing cap slip out top half of seal remove other half from main bearing cap and replace, follow instructions as to where to apply sealant . install bearing cap and torque to spec then replace oil pan gasket and install oil pan. Lastly fill with oil that is it. 200 bucks is not at all a bad price for this job

[jcsanders79]

Thanks.  Sounds like it might be worth $200.

[oldjeep]

$30 parts, rest is labor.   Not really a bad job, but it's a lot easier on a lift than laying on your back.   If you do it yourself, put the jackstands under the frame not the axle.  Gives you more room to work.