Rear Main Seal Repair Cost?

[ABGordon]

Anybody have an actual or estimated cost to have a shop replace my 1993 A/T W250 rear main seal? I called Cummins Baltimore, MD service facility, but since the service mgr. doesn't return my calls I not only don't know how much it should cost but don't have a clue where to get it done. Also I have two questions about the parts:



1. Why is it recomended to install the newer flex plate?



2. What is the Cummins part number for the rear seal? The one that is listed in this forum doesn't appear to be the correct P/N.



Thanks again,

Alan

 

[DKasper]

Last year it cost me $210 to have a local shop(Not Cummins) replace my rear main seal. For me, it was worth the cost. My old seal came out in 5 pieces . . .

 

[dpuckett]

THe flexplates got upgraded in 95 or so- heavier than the older ones. These Cummins engines are hard on light duty pickup drivetrains. I believe the newer flexplate is around $100 from Cummins. Look in the 1st Gen FAQ, under "what was that part number?... "



Not sure what the Chilton labor "guide" (3. 5hrs to set VE timing? Gimme a break ) recommends for a time to R&R the rear main seal, but I did mine in well under 3 hours start to finish, including an hour cursing at the transmission because I couldnt get the input shaft, pilot hole, and throw out bearing lined up.



Have them replace the cam plug while they are in there. The flywheel adaptor needs to be removed to get to it, in case they dont know what you're talking about. I had one go out just after I got the rear main replaced in my pickup.



Daniel

 

[ABGordon]

Daniel,



I looked at the procedure in my service manual and it does not look like a 3hr. job... I remember seeing somewhere that you can move the trans back about 5 inches and get enough clearance to change the seal? Is there also enough clearance to change the flex plate and cam plug without removing the transmission from the truck?



Thanks!

 

[Lock93]

Local dealers ask ~$650 for rear main. Shop that did mine last year said you have to drop the transmission; of course, that increases the co$ts also!!

 

[ABGordon]

Wish I could find a shop to do it for $210. 00!

 

[1stgen4evr]

why replace the flex---

The early flex plates were not stout enough and if your is of the earlier style, you WILL have trouble with it sooner or later. While you are in there, do yourself the favor of changing it.



210 dollars is enough for the job but unless the shop is equiped for the job, the time can run much more. Yours being automatic, there are things like oil lines and linkage that complicate the job.



James

 

[boatpuller]

If you are going to do the rear main and still have your original flexplate I would replace it, but wouldn't just go to a newer plate, PDR is selling a heavy duty flexplate that isn't much more than the newer one from Cummins and less than one from Mother Mopar, I've actually got one in the truck as a spare for when the newer Dodge one I have goes out, it's a question of when not if it will go out.



If you can get it done for $210 I would jump on it, it is worth more than that for a truck with 4wheel drive.



You can replace the seal with out removing the transmission and transfercase completely, just disconect the rear driveline, transfercase shifter, trans linkage, oil lines and slide the trans and transfer case back as far as it will go on the crossmember, it ain't easy but it can be done and you don't even have to disconnect the front driveline.





Good luck,

Caleb

 

[ABGordon]

How much did it cost for the Piers flexplate? I don't see a price for it on their website.

 

[boatpuller]

Couldn't find price but give them a call you will be pleasantly surprised

Noticed they had injectors on sale this month makes me want to go bigger but the 185's make enough smoke for me.

The information about the flexplate is there on the Dodge RAM Performance Products and Accessories page.



Caleb