1997, 2wd, standard shift. If your front main seal was leaking would you do the replacement or hire it out? Thanks

 

Not sure how this helps you, but I've been fixing such things for many years, got scads of tools, a large shop & doing a "front main seal" R&R doesn't faze me. Suggest you look over the procedure in Haynes/Chilton & assess your chache of tools, money & confidence. Most parts stores will talk you through, some loan tools & step-by-step 'shop manual' CD's.

It can be challenging for beginners to loosen the big crank nut & you'll probably need to 'pull' & 'push' the pulley. Not sure if all motors & 2WD are best accessed from above, like my '98 4X4. However if you do, its best to remove the fan & shroud. The big reverse thread at water pump-fan clutch, throws a lot of people. The use of several special tools help greatly, but often not all are required, if you have a Bag of Tricks. Once you get down to it, do you know how to R&R the seal & inspect the crank?

Tips: Carefull of that radiator, examine harmonic balancer critically, replace any w/swelled or cracked rubber, as an alternative try one of the High Mileage oils that claim to recondition aged seals, or one of the Snake Oils which also promise to breath life into worn hardened seals. There are folks who would assault you for bad mouthing Marvel Mystery Oil!

 

Club Wagon, Thanks for the info.