Is there any way to replace the rope seal with a two piece rubber seal with the engine in the truck? After removing the pan and main bearing cap I found the rope seal, to my horror. Can I just pull the rope out and replace it with the rubber seal?

 

Why do want to replace it so bad?
Just don't worry about it man.
Is it leaking or something?
Just forget about it, it is not worth replacing unless you rebuild the engine.

 

Leaked about a quart every tankfull. BTW, got the rope seal out and there was no telltail "locking pin". Makes me happy. Why would the engineers put the pin in the block half anyway, more sense to put it in the cap. Soon I'll have the 2-piece seal in.

 

I've heard that the rear main seal can be replaced without removing the crank. Clean the area and put plenty of oil or grease on the seal. Place the seal on the area where the main cap was then slide it around to the other side. The seal fits in going 1 direction and you'll need plenty of lube. slowly tap the seal around until it's 3/8" out on one side, the put the other side in the cap so that the 3/8" offset matches up. The side seals are tough to get right but extra lube really helps, I've torn a few but go slowly and use mega lube and check for obstruction like dirt, nicks... while cleaning.

 

You dont like those rope seals but they served many a engine and other machine faithfully for a good 60+ years till we came up with rubber, those do leak if installed improperly too, its all in the install, and if installed properly i believe they last longer than any rubber seal