351 rear main leak, questions

[Mach1460]

With my 5.5 lift I can easily pull the oil pan off in about 3 minutes, which is nice that I dont have to pull the engine... Now somewhere I had heard that you can change the rope type seal with out removing the crank. All you have to do is drop the rear main cap and snake the new seal through, add a dash of silicone to the ends and whall-a. I have also heard that you can replace the rope type seal with an rubber one. Can the both be done, does anyone know of a walk-thru or have very detailed instructions on the rope seal replacement.. id really like to do it right the first time. Thanks!

 

[Yardape]

You nailed it, thats all you have to do. When you re-install the new seal set it flat against the crank, and feed it through into place. no rocket science, just basic install, I'm sure I don't have to tell you but be sure to keeo the bearing surface clean, and oil it before you re-install the cap

 

[Mach1460]

So you can replace the rope seal with the split lip seal? I know that the engine is a 1970 351 out of a Torino, but are there different types of split lip seals for different years of 351's? I guess what im getting at is at the parts store should I ask for a split lip seal for a 1970 Torino or a different year.....I havent pulled the pan yet but I am just figuring that its a rope seal, from what I hear it could be both...