the_supernerd

I am going to change the clutch in my truck and I figured I should change the rear main seal while I am there. I looked it up and 1sttoyotaparts.com and they cost $20. Does that sound right? It sounds expensive to me, even for the dealership. Do they make repair sleeves for the rear like they do for the front? What exactly is a repair sleeve, anyway?

4x4Lamm

Considering if it fails it will costs a few hundred in labor to replace, $20 is a good deal for an OEM part. Even if you can do the work yourself, a bad seal will ruin your nice new clutch. Just buy the OEM one.

Lamm

thook

What do you think of NAPA seals, Lamm? I used one in my '86.

thook

Rear main seal and sleeve repair kit....description.
http://www.microsleeve.com/ss_kits.html

4x4Lamm

Honestly I don't have much of an opinion. The only part I ever bought from NAPA was a block heater.

To me when it comes to parts like oil seals, head gaskets and other such things that cost tons to replace but the part itself is cheap, I always go with a Toyota part. I can't do a lot of the work myself so to me it seemes silly to save a few bucks on parts that cost a few hundred or more to replace, I just get a peace of mind from Toyta parts. I'm not saying other brands are all that bad, but buying them over OEM to save a few bucks is a bad decision in my book.

Now something like a halfshaft, get it from a local store that will offer a lifetime warrenty. Then when you break it just get a new one for free and it is easy to do yourself.

Also, there are a few Toyta dealership type guys on the board here that will get you a killer deal on OEM parts.

Thats just my $0.02

Lamm

the_supernerd

Thanks for the replies. I assume that engnbldr is probably the best place to buy a repair sleeve from? I cannot seem to find any Toyota brand sleeves.

4x4Lamm

I would check with trdparts4u.com, if it exists they will find it for ya.

Lamm

the_supernerd

Thanks. I will check that out.

thook

Thanks anyway then, Lamm. I've been told by a trusted mechanic that the seals they sell are quality. He's not the only person I've heard that from, either. And believe me, I don't just take anyone's word for it....anymore, hehe.

One more question... how do you know when it's time for a repair sleeve? When you replace the seal and it still leaks? That's kind of a bassackwards way. I still have my tranny and all disconnected...so it's not too late. But, if I don't need one...

4x4Lamm

Thats cool if they work out for ya man. As far as the sleve, that's the sucky part about keeping a truck in tip top shape. Whenever you tear into a project like that I 9/10 times will replace almost everything in that "area" so I don't have to worry about it for a while. Costs a lot more though, but saves you in the long-run on labor.

Lamm

thook

Okay, I take it you're suggesting it be done. Repair sleeves aren't really expensive, but I've never done one. I was told by an import mechanic it's relatively easy. Would you mind telling me briefly how it's done?

4x4Lamm

There is where my usefulness runs out. I have never done it myself, sorry. I'm sure someone will chime in though.

Lamm

KryptoKid

fel-pro ftw

highway

I used a Fel-Pro rear main seal when i did my clutch, just becareful removing the old seal as not to scar the surface. I had good luck with the fel-pro in the past so thats about the only aftermarket brand i have used.

highway

thook

FTR, my one trusted long-time, experienced mechanic told me a sleeve would not be necessary unless the retainer for the seal was badly damaged. I got it all back together now. No leak! Thank you!

Felpro is what I used, too.

the_supernerd

I got an OEM seal from the dealer and a repair sleeve from Engnbldr. I noticed that he also sent a Fel-Pro seal with the sleeve. I am going to use the OEM seal, but Fel-Pro is probably good if that is what Engnbldr sent.