econoline - 170 ngine rear main seal hwelp

hi gang,

a late merry christmas to one and all. i hope santa was good to you.

i posted this in the general section but thought i had better re-post here. i need some help with any tips and tricks for making my engine rear main seal replacement go a little easier. it looks like a real PIA. for instance - do i have to remove that frame brace to get the oil pan out? do i need to jack up the engine? what's the easiest way to get this done. your advice and thoughts most welcome.

i bought new clutch parts and will replace the trans. long shaft seal and the diff. axle seal when i do this. it seems that the most vulnerable thing on this van is everything and anything with rubber in it. door seals, windshield gaskets and vital seals.

best to all.

ra

,,,I dont know if you have to,,,,,,,,but on our Chevys, we lay a piece of pipe on jackstands and wrap a piece of chain through the motor mounts which holds the engine in place while we remove the crossmember and oil pan to get to the rear main seal,,,,,