Notices
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Cost to replace RMS

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 28, 2023 | 08:50 PM
  #1  
NSAJMART's Avatar
NSAJMART
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 166
Likes: 7
From: Kansas
Cost to replace RMS

My 97 F250 with a 460 is leaking oil around the area of the rear main seal. I'm trying to decide if I want to tackle this myself or farm it out to my mechanic shop. Does someone know about how much it would cost for me to have it done? I live in KC if that helps any with hourly rate.
Thanks for any help.
 
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2023 | 09:32 PM
  #2  
Prototypemech's Avatar
Prototypemech
Logistics Pro
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Community Builder
Liked
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,928
Likes: 1,198
From: Mojave, Ca
Last time I checked, a decade ago, a rear main seal was $700.
 
Reply
Old Jul 29, 2023 | 01:11 PM
  #3  
blazerman07's Avatar
blazerman07
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 142
Likes: 64
From: Wyoming
On my 94 I was quoted $2200 a few months ago. Very mild leak for me and not worth opening that can of worms. If it gets worse, I will do.
 
Reply
Old Jul 29, 2023 | 06:49 PM
  #4  
NSAJMART's Avatar
NSAJMART
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 166
Likes: 7
From: Kansas
Originally Posted by blazerman07
On my 94 I was quoted $2200 a few months ago. Very mild leak for me and not worth opening that can of worms. If it gets worse, I will do.
I wonder if the cost reflects the labor in pulling the engine?? Man, that's a lot of money and fortunately mine isn't bad yet either.
 
Reply
Old Jul 29, 2023 | 06:51 PM
  #5  
Prototypemech's Avatar
Prototypemech
Logistics Pro
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Community Builder
Liked
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,928
Likes: 1,198
From: Mojave, Ca
You pull the transmission to replace the rear main seal.
 
Reply
Old Jul 29, 2023 | 07:22 PM
  #6  
NSAJMART's Avatar
NSAJMART
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 166
Likes: 7
From: Kansas
Originally Posted by Prototypemech
You pull the transmission to replace the rear main seal.
I agree, but I've talked to a few mechanics who say it's easier to replace the RMS when the engine is out.
 
Reply
Old Jul 29, 2023 | 07:29 PM
  #7  
blazerman07's Avatar
blazerman07
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 142
Likes: 64
From: Wyoming
Quote was for removing transmission. I go under every few weeks and wipe it down. Only a few drops and never hits the driveway.
 
Reply
Old Jul 29, 2023 | 08:10 PM
  #8  
Prototypemech's Avatar
Prototypemech
Logistics Pro
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Community Builder
Liked
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,928
Likes: 1,198
From: Mojave, Ca
Originally Posted by NSAJMART
I agree, but I've talked to a few mechanics who say it's easier to replace the RMS when the engine is out.
Those mechanics are out of their mind. Unless we're talking about a front wheel drive vehicle. But I assume you're talking about your truck.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-2

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-5

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-7

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Jul 30, 2023 | 12:58 PM
  #9  
rla2005's Avatar
rla2005
Fleet Owner
20 Year Member
Community Builder
Liked
Community Favorite
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,786
Likes: 1,751
From: Kentucky
Asking for a friend....do 7.5L engines use a one or two piece rear main seal?
 
Reply
Old Jul 30, 2023 | 01:13 PM
  #10  
88n94's Avatar
88n94
Cargo Master
20 Year Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,118
Likes: 149
From: South Dakota
Looking on Rockauto. Two piece.
 
Reply
Old Jul 30, 2023 | 01:35 PM
  #11  
1Butcher's Avatar
1Butcher
Cargo Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,826
Likes: 1,030
If you are a real professional mechanic, then you are out of your mind to be in the profession.

Some of us work hard and stand by our work. Many just pretend to be mechanics and make the rest of the industry suffer with their incompetence.

If the rear main seal leaks [and it probably is] and you put in a new one and it leaks again [probably will] then the mechanic gets blamed. Not because it's just a poor design from Ford, but because you were the last one who worked on it. One of the tricks of the trade is to price the job a bit higher than it might take. Takes care of the issues that you will come up with when you dive in. If the customer takes on the job at the price you quoted, then you know you can do a really good job. Sure beats quoting $500 and dealing with all the nasty rusted hardware and broken components. Remember, these trucks are knocking on the door of being 30 years old.

If you elect to do it yourself and buy the cheapest parts on Rock Auto, you can join all the other people that complain about the products they sell. Why not go to Ford and see if they got the real deal?
 
Reply
Old Jul 30, 2023 | 02:23 PM
  #12  
88n94's Avatar
88n94
Cargo Master
20 Year Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,118
Likes: 149
From: South Dakota
Originally Posted by 1Butcher

If you elect to do it yourself and buy the cheapest parts on Rock Auto, you can join all the other people that complain about the products they sell. Why not go to Ford and see if they got the real deal?
I have to ask you, if you buy an ignition part from Rock Auto, say Standard brand because Ford Motorcraft is no longer available, will the same part number I buy from a local parts dealer be the same quality.

I ask because because I recently bought an ignition part locally and it was $32.00. it was about 15.00 on Rock Auto.
 
Reply
Old Jul 30, 2023 | 03:43 PM
  #13  
wytstang's Avatar
wytstang
5th Wheeling
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 44
Likes: 9
Originally Posted by 88n94
I have to ask you, if you buy an ignition part from Rock Auto, say Standard brand because Ford Motorcraft is no longer available, will the same part number I buy from a local parts dealer be the same quality.

I ask because because I recently bought an ignition part locally and it was $32.00. it was about 15.00 on Rock Auto.
Same quality, If Rockauto has it you can also check on Amazon if they have it and get it cheaper if you have a Prime membership. I've done that a few times were, when taxes and shipping is calculated it tends to equal Amazons price and I get it in 2 days vs. 4 or more days depending on shipping speed from RA.

Also never heard of the engine coming out for a rear main seal replacement, always the tranny coming out.
 
Reply
Old Jul 30, 2023 | 03:49 PM
  #14  
1Butcher's Avatar
1Butcher
Cargo Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,826
Likes: 1,030
Originally Posted by 88n94
I have to ask you, if you buy an ignition part from Rock Auto, say Standard brand because Ford Motorcraft is no longer available, will the same part number I buy from a local parts dealer be the same quality.

I ask because because I recently bought an ignition part locally and it was $32.00. it was about 15.00 on Rock Auto.
#1} Buy locally. Your neighbors would appreciate that.
#2) The return policy is probably much easier locally. No shipping back the part to Rock Auto and waiting for a reply.
#3) $17 is not a lot of money to be saved. Certainly worth it for me to keep the locals employed.
#4) Not all, but I think most buy from Rock Auto because they have cheap parts. Yes, some may be name brand but only Rock Auto could say what their highest moving parts are. I suspect they are on the cheaper end of the parts choices.
#5) When returning the defective part, are you willing to wait weeks while your part is being processed? Usually a bad part gets returned before they send out another one. Who pays for shipping?

I get that sometimes $17 is the entire life savings for some, but honestly, it's not worth the hassle. Same as the professional that gives a large estimate for a job that probably will come back, it's not worth the hassle for the money saved/earned.

Of course, we all have a different experience and opinion. If you like Rock Auto and they provide great service or the locals are a bunch of pirates, I get it.
 
Reply
Old Jul 30, 2023 | 05:31 PM
  #15  
88n94's Avatar
88n94
Cargo Master
20 Year Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,118
Likes: 149
From: South Dakota
Thanks for the replylies wystang and 1Butcher. Yes I usually buy auto parts locally especially if I am in a hurry. It is just amazing how cheap the part can be atleast before shipping.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
tom from mass
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Mar 13, 2016 02:12 PM
BigBlue92
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
9
May 8, 2011 05:57 PM
dm4432
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Oct 6, 2006 01:29 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:11 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-6
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-7
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-8
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE