I just wanted to do my part and contribute a little to the forum. I am having starting problems with mine (another thread) and have been under it working on the starter.

At night I have been reading other posts for my second problem, a profuse leaking of what I thought was the rear main seal. I read several posts by some very wise gentleman that inferred that the OP, and myself, may be suffering from a rear oil pan leak from pushed out gaskets, and not a leaking rear main. While under the vehicle today I noticed that the rear oil pan gaskets were bulged out and are almost certainly the cause for my leak (not a rear main)

I snapped a few pictures of this so that people in the future know to look for it. So they will not have to cry in the deep dark corners of the house late at night when nobody is around when thinking about replacing a rear main, or buying a short block. These pictures are hosted on my site and may, or may not, be available in the future. If there is an admin type person that would want to take the pictures and put them in a more permanent place feel free.

http://www.bentspoonsystems.com/images/pangasket1.jpg
http://www.bentspoonsystems.com/images/pangasket2.jpg

 

That pan leak from a buldged gasket is very common on the 4.9, mostly because most operators never even look underneath until they a mad about puddles.
I think the last one I did cost about $15.00 and was done in under half an hour, but we did have to raise the engine to get the pan out.

 

i have the 4.9 in my truck and need to do this fix as well.. i am waiting till the spring when it is warmer to tackle it...im gunna do the valve cover, thermostat gasket, and the pushrod cover.....all are seeping... fun!(not) for anyone doing the pan gasket tho, make sure you use a quality 1 piece gasket(felpro).