72 Satellite, 318, Rear main seal replacement & small leak from rear diff. Trying to figure out if I should do it myself or pay someone

[tonyp25]

So I’ve had a slow leak from my rear main seal and my rear diff for quite some time. The older I get the less I feel like getting under a car for some reason. I wish I had invested in a lift long ago but here I am.

Im not sure what can of worms I’ll be opening up because I’ve had the vehicle for about 12 years and it’s essentially leaked a little the whole time. I’ve worked a lot on cars through the years but I’ve never attempted either of these fixes. I guess I’m also not sure what I’m looking at if I go to a shop. $1k-2k at a shop maybe?

Appreciate any advice! Would love to just drop a 440 in it but god knows I would be able to for under $10k anymore these days.

 

[Krooser]

Buy a Sneaky Pete which will help you fish out the old rear main seal and install the new one.

I'm sure youTube has a few videos on it .

The pumpkin gasket is easy... you don't need special tools just a good jack and stands.

 

[R413]

How do you know it's a pumpkin gasket, or if it has one? Pinion seals are tuff to do without the right tools.

If you have never done any of this before and you are tired of getting under cars then don't try it now. You will be redoing one or both when they still leak.

 

[GTXDAN]

The pinion seal is easy. Just put a big pipe wrench on the yoke and let it rotate against the body and pull the nut off. Factory SM tells you all you need to do this.

 

[MWbirdLOVER70]

Buy a Sneaky Pete which will help you fish out the old rear main seal and install the new one.

I'm sure youTube has a few videos on it .

The pumpkin gasket is easy... you don't need special tools just a good jack and stands

Buy a Sneaky Pete which will help you fish out the old rear main seal and install the new one.

I'm sure youTube has a few videos on it .

The pumpkin gasket is easy... you don't need special tools just a good jack and stands.

well if it’s got an 8 3/4 be prepared for the weight of the pumpkin when removing