i have an 85 tpi 305 , i think the rear main seal needs to be changed , do i have to take the crank out to change it . Or how do i change it .????????????????????????????

 

It can be done with the crank in and the engine in the car. You'll have to drop the oil pan and remove the rear main cap.

 

If you plan to do it yourself, you will need to raise the engine enough to drop the oil pan and therear main. you will also have to drop the tranny (after you lower the engine again). On the later model engines, they even had little tabs, you could insert a tool and kind of pry it out. (not sure if chevy did this, i know buick did). just remember how u removed everything, and usually the rear main seal comes with instructions, that are pretty easy to follow.

The job itself is very easy, but getting to the problem is a b*tch.

 

well thanks , i wanted to know, my dad has a 77ta with a 463 pontiac and he has to take the crank to put a 1 piece in , and i thought differently . I plan on taking the engine out this summer so it will be easier to do the rear main seal . thanks for the info guys . Much appreciated.