SBF 2-piece rear main replacement

[mustangguy289]

I am starting to get OCD and the small rear main leak is annoying me to the point I am finally going to fix it. I have to pull the transmission out in the new few weeks so I figured it would be a good time to do it.

Who has done this before? I have a few questions...

1965 Mustang 289

1) Since the transmission is already out and it only takes about another hour to get the entire engine out of the car.... Is it worth it to pull the motor and do it on an engine stand or do it under the car laying on my back? It has a 7 qt oil pan so pulling the pan while the engine is in the car may be more of a PITA than pulling the motor.

2)Which seal is the best?
Sumitt has a Silicone Fel-Pro ($35), Rubber Fel-pro ($20), and a Silicone Mr. Gasket ($20)


3) I know to clock the seal about 3/8" so that the seam of the seal does not match the seam of the block/cap... any other advice?

[greenbullitt]

pull the engine as the pan has to come off. not worth doing twice

[JimD]

pull the engine as the pan has to come off. not worth doing twice

X2 wouldn't even attempt with eng in car.

[mustangguy289]

Since I have to pull the oil pan (canton 7 qt) and replace that gasket... I guess I will go ahead and get the one piece rubber one. Any of y'all have experience or recommendation on those? I have always just used the 4 piece kits.

[greenbullitt]

canton doesnt recommend a 1 pc

[mustangguy289]

canton doesnt recommend a 1 pc

They make one? Did they happen to say why?

I guess I have never had problems with the traditional 4 piece sets ....why change a good thing.

[Dave586]

Two weeks ago I just went through this on my 1965 stang; replaced my oil pan and gasket because it was leaking around the gasket. The oil pan was dinged up pretty bad around the drain plug where the PO tried to repair it, but it still leaked - so it got replaced as well. I had to also replace a lot of the steering components such as inner tie rods, stearing link, and pitman arm so I laid on my back to do it. I did the the four piece gasket. I have never done this before, but it took me about 10 hours to do the work - almost all of it laying on my back. I think the hardest part was scrapping off the old seal - and the fact I'm out of shape over 35 laying on my back for over 7 hours.