1986 Dodge PowerRam 4x4 with BB 400 has oil leaking down from above crank behind bell-housing. Rear Main seal replaced, everything else checked thoroughly. My mechanic said that perhaps the oil galley plugs or cap could be leaking. Said trans. and transfer had to come out, hook up a 4 spd. housing, install dye in oil, start and find leak. Anyone ever run into this problem? I need some advise right about now. Thanks

Galley plugs and cam plug usually leak from the getgo, or not at all. I would check rear of intake or oil senders(s).

Check your oil pressure sending unit. It's on the back of the block directly above the bellhousing. Check everything on top at the back. If everything is dry and clear, it's time to either pull the motor or trans. If it's leaking that much, there won't be any need for the die. The only places it could leak from would be to oil galley plugs, the cam plug, the rear main crank seal, and the rear main cap seals (that seals the sides of the rear main cap to the block). Are you sure you got the rear seal in the correct way?

Thanks for the advise. I did check the oil sending unit and it was leaking. We repaired it and checked what we could see for leaks and none were seen. I guess the engine needs taking out AGAIN. Is it easier to remove hood and engine or back off transfer case and tranny to access the back of the engine? Thousands of dollars in engine compartment paint to consider.

IMHO, i allways R&R the hood and lift the engine

the tranz and xfer kinda balence each other,then remove the rubber biskets(mounts) and sit it back down,this will let the engine drop down further and go back on the tranz easy,then lift front and install the rubber mounts

I have done it many times this way with my 4x4s,helps to have a 10' swing set and chainhoist like I got though

could pull the front clip