RMS Advice

I've run into a problem getting the top of the rms in. The old one came out easy, the new one isn't wanting to go in very far(about halfway.) I've followed all advice in the most recent posts about rear main seals.
While I was down at Napa swaping out my torque wrench, figured i'd pick up another rms...you never know. The old timer at napa suggested using Vaseline. Liberally applied, still no luck.
It's hard to tell if the crank has dropped any, all the bolts are loose. I've been pulling on it, I guess I'll continue till something gives way.
At one point this afternoon, I enlisted the help of my daughter to rotate the crank with a wrench while I tried to feed it in their. I don't know if I should pull it back out to see if she's buggerd up, or press on? Any advice?

 

Aaah nebba mind..

 

When installing mine, when I would hit a stop, I would pull it back out just a little and push again, all while compressing the "back" of the seal. If its getting boogered, you should see the rubber peeling like cheese on a grater.

 

Thanks, I'll try the back and forth tomorrow.

 

Thanks, I'll try the ol' in-out tomorrow.

 

One other thing, make sure the lip of seal faces the front of Jeep. Easy to get turned around laying under it. You may try tapping it with a wood or brass punch lightly to help it move. Also, did the old seal comr out cleanly ? Make sure the groove is clean. Good luck.

 

Alright, the lip of the seal is facing the front, I'm doing the old in-out and have made some headway. Now I'm hung up 3/4 of the way in.

 

Success! I pulled the upper I'd been fighting and opened the other rms box. Looking at the two side by side, I realized the problem. The one had been hanging up because the back has sharp ridges where it came out of the mold. Lubed up the newer one, and in like butter! It feels soo good when you stop beating yourself about the head with a hammer.

 

Congrats !! The reason I said to make sure the lip was facing the right way is the first one I ever put in was wrong. Had to re do the whole job over. Long time ago, but never forgot it.

 

Yep. I had the same excess from the mold on my felpro one. I forgot to mention it.