Rear crank oil seal - 4.6 auto

How big a job is the rear crank oil seal? Remove props, remove bell housing bolts, move gearbox back I guess? Do-able lying on my back under the car? It's been dripping for the last 6 months, not causing any problems, just acting as part of the anti-corrosion system under the car! But needs fixing and I know it's not gonna be an easy job though

rear main bearing clamps seal in place

jamesmartin said:

rear main bearing clamps seal in place

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That sounds even worse then. Sump off as well

I have changed the engine on my old 4.6 Rangie by myself, and that was a job and a half, so waving spanners about isn't an issue, just could do without a major job when it's cold lying on my back with oil dripping on my face and the gearbox/transfer box assembly wobbling about supported on a jack just above me. Humph.

Either engine or gearbox out.
The flex plate (Flywheel) has to be removed as the oil seal sits behind it in the rear main bearing cap. Would also pay to drop the sump, remove the rear main bearing cap and replace the Crucifix seals...if you haven't already done so, as oil can leak past those.

Ah yes, now I remember how it goes together back there, you reminded me of the crucifix seals, I rebuilt the engine in my last Rangie some 4 years ago. Without taking it all apart of course I'm not sure where the oil is leaking from, except from the bottom of the bell housing. Guess it's a gearbox out job, easier than engine out. Annoying, as the engine was replaced 30,000 miles ago. Couldn't have been the front seal, could it.

Are you 100% sure it's the crank seal ? Have you considered the valley gasket/end seals or rocker cover gasket(s) ?
I would remove the half moon plate at the bottom of the bell housing first and have a look to ensure if it is in fact leaking from inside the bell housing.

i like your thinking irish raise:

I don't think the half moon plate is on the later models. The wife's '99 doesn't have it but mine does.