what do I do about an oil leak?

[DrSmith]

The guy I bought the car from said it leaked after he put in a new rear main sea. We already have some serious spots on the garage floor and you can see where it was parked in the driveway. We have had it less than a week. I was looking under the car while it was running and there is oil all underneath and some drips from the bell houseing (sp). There is oil streaked under the car and it smokes from the exhaust after being driven.
What should I do, and what tools are needed to replace the rear main seal. I am trying hard not to feel dumb for buying this car. I can get some help to replace the seal myself, but what all tools do I need to do the job? I have read many different stories. Should I just call and get a quote on a shop doing it? I don't mind the work if I can do it right. I was a good shade tree mechanic 25 years ago with austin healys. On those we just pulled the engine and tranny as one, then did the work. How hard is this to do from under the car?
sorry for the long post, I just wanted to get all my info out there...
Doc

 

[wythors]

If it is the rear main seal, and this is a very common problem on older 5.0's, this job requires the removal of the transmission to get to the seal.

 

[oldfox]

keep in mind that sometimes if the main bearings have to much wear on them that it will allow the crankshaft to move up and down a little and a new rear seal main won't hold long. Just my .02

 

[ID89GT]

As stated, pull the tranny. Then if its a manual pull the clutch and flywheel off and there it is, or pull the flex plate if its an auto. Pretty easy once the tranny is out.

 

[foxbodymike87]

easy job..did mine few months ago..very helpful if you have access to a lift

 

[project 87 5.0]

you just need your basic hand tools, nothing really special really at all. a lift would be great but many people dont have easy access to one.its pretty easy to do with just having to pull the trans. lube seal very good before installing.

 

[90mustangGT]

Are you 100% sure the leak isn't coming from the back of the intake?

 

[Mustang5L5]

I'd put the front on jack stands, and spray engine degreaser on the entire underside and then hose off. Then, drive it and identify where the leak is coming from.