Rear Main Seal Advice

[rdwright66]

Hello Everyone,

I currently have a rear main seal leak in my 93 notch 5.0. 5 speed. I have a Tremec 3550 trans and also need to replace the clutch. I was wondering if anyone has experience replacing the one piece seal while engine is still in the car and could offer me advice on how to do it correctly? I seen there was a tool for it/or for 302's, but it cost's &180.00 and I don't want to spend that kind of money if I don't have to.

I was also wondering if anyone could reccomend a good replacement clutch/Flywheel. My engine is a healthy 306 and see's 50-150hp of nitrous at the track a few times a year, so I'm looking for a clutch that can handle about 500ft lbs of tq. I think the trans is a 10 spline, but could be 26. It was already in the car when I bought it. I just want a clutch that will last and also support possible increase in Hp in the future if needed.

Thanks to anyone who could offer me detailed advice on how to replace this seal, as I have never done it with the engine still in the car. Thanks so much,

Rich

[trueblue02]

It is the perfect time to change the seal since you have to drop the tranny anyway. I had mine done at a shop in my 90 because I never have the time. You can check at most national parts places like (Autozone Etc.). They usually will loan out tools. I have heard good things about Spec clutches, but my 02 is still the original clutch. The stage 2 will handle 520 TQ and stage 3 will handle over 600 TQ.

[Intmdtr]

I did the rear main in my 83 5.0 with the tranny still in....but i think i used the 2 piece seal. just dropped the pan and work the old one around and out, and the same process for putting the new one in. thats the only rear seal i have had to replace. i remember my dad was helping but it was my car so i did most of the work. took about 3-4hours laying on the ground with the car on jacks. If you have access to a lift thats the way to go. plus having the tranny out will help so much more.

As for a clutch and flywheel, i'd stick with a stock flywheel and depends on what you are looking for in a clutch ie pedal feel reliability, street/track, track etc. you can go with a twin disk setup which helps you not have to ride the clutch on a launch or a single disk setup. I have the King Cobra 11" in my car and it hooks up great. but on the street in town driving the leg gets a little tired.

i haven't tried many other clutches other then stockers but i am sure there are many other guys that can help out.

-------- added 1 Minutes and 41 Seconds later --------

oh yes i almost forgot....when you install the new seal, make sure they are offset...you don't want the seams to meet where the oil pan and block meet....

[poneyexpress]

If it's a one piece seal , i don't see how you can change it with out removeing the transmission . I have done a two piece seal with the transmission bolted up . I have also heard good things about the Spec clutches just not their throw out bearings .

[hotwheels]

I took an 1/8" drill bit and drilled a hole in the seal body, then i inserted a sheetmetal screw and with a pair of vise grips, pulled the seal out. Then i used a brass punch and put the new seal in.......If you want to use the tool to insert the seal, most local parts store have the tools for the job and you can check them out....

[rdwright66]

Thanks for the advice, I will have the tranny out for the clutch replacement. I think I go the Hotwheel's suggestion. Pull the old one piece out with a sheet metal screw and work the new one in. Still looking at clutches. I'll let you guy's know how it went.

Thanks for the reply's and request for help.

[mellowout]

the screw seems to be the easiest way, i just gave it hell with a screwdriver, just be real careful not to scratch the crank and sall good