Hello Everyone,

I noticed a small leak that I believe is coming from the rear main seal.

As far as I understand besides draining the oil, you just remove the oil pan bolts and the one bearing holder/guide at the rear of the jeep.
You then pull out the one side and push up and over the top to remove that one. You put a little oil on the top seal, insert it in and some oil on the bearing before you bolt it back up.

Do I need to be concerned about the dip stick removal or maybe an oil pump?

I'm guessing I'll pull the dip stick then unbolt the oil pan. I don't see anything that would interfere with my removal of the oil pan. I don't see anything lapping up on the sides or anything.

 

You need to disconnect the bottom of the front shocks and swaybar links to drop the axle down.Then take the 10,000 oil pan bolts off and drop the pan down and set it on the axle.Remove the oil pump and pick-up tube.Then remove the pan and cam brace.The rest is easy.

 

Hi, you can follow these directions "http://go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoRearMain.htm" good luck...Tj

 

Also tighten down the rear of the valve cover. That can leak without even knowing it and think its the rear main

 

Its not the valve cover. I had replaced it with a felpro gasket. I also cleaned it well to be oil free prior to the new cover. I ran my hand back there and it was still clean. I've been dapping at the rear main area with a rag and wiping it down now for some time to investigate the leak. I even tightened the rear oil pan down, just a tad bit more. Its not a major leak, couple drops once in a while. When the car sits I occasionally see a drop not a puddle.

Can I avoid disconnecting the sway if I jack it up and support it on my jack stands? I have 3 ton jack stands that gave me enough lift so I could change my front diff when I had clearance issues.

If I'm going to loosen the shocks I might as well replace them as well since they are old. They are still good but I don't know how much longer they will last.

 

You need to dico the swaybar so it will drop down further.

 

Its two bolts to disconnect your sway bar