How do you change the rear main seal in 1991 Jeep Cherokee 4.0?

Answer 1

Well I have heard two options, the Dealer and another person on this forum say to remove the transmission to get to the main. The shop manual I have along with one other mechanic, and an offroad company that deals, exclusively with Jeeps states the rear main seal is a two part seal, only requiring the oil pan to be pulled. That however is not the easiest job either. But the advantage is it allows you also to replace the oil pan gasket, rear main and the Front cam seal. All of which are probably the same age and would makes sense to replace while the thing is apart, considering the seals and gaskets themselves are cheap. I believe one reason the dealer wont go this route is so they can have you back in a short time later for the front seal or the pan gasket. I don't know that there is a big difference in labor cost. But to me if you are going to spend that much in labor, get as many parts replaced at one time to prevent having to do it again. the estimates I have, are the job is quoted at 8 to 10 labor hours. So shopping around for a shop with the cheapest hourly labor rate can literally save hundreds. My dealer wanted 85 per hour while a shop accross town only wants 40 per hour that's a 450 dollar savings right there. Also note pulling the oil pan though possible in your driveway, but is easier with a lift