how much to replace rear main seal on 1997 dakota 5.2L

A 4wd truck takes 6.8 hours to remove the automatic trans and then another .5 hours to remove and replace the seal. So that is about $750 labor and the part is about $35, so yes I would say that TUFFY is trying to hustle you. A 2wd drive truck takes 3.2 hours plus the seal time and part cost. DO NOT LET TUFFY DO THIS JOB FOR YOU! here are some better shops: http://repairpal.com/dodge-repair-in-oviedo-florida

Well I have a 4x4 5.2Liter 98 Dakota and it is a 2 piece seal, don't even have to remove the tranny so I would say a couple hours to drain oil, remove Y pipe and then remove the pan and change it.

It doesn't require dropping the transmission. It may require loosening the starter, and, if you have a 4x4 you need to take the front differential out. You may need a new pan gasket in addition to the replacement rear main seal (but not necessarily if the pan gasket isn't damaged or leaking.) The rear main seal is a two part affair, the half that's up in the block threads out after you remove the rearmost bearing cap and loosen the other bearing caps--then you just thread in the new seal half, replace the half that goes in the bearing cap, and button it all back together. Doesn't require removing the Y pipe either. The seal is available from local sources for about $15, if you need a pan gasket, that will be about $30. My best guess is that in a shop with a lift & air tools, this is about a 3 or 4 hour job at the most. In the carport or garage, where I'll be doing mine, 8 or 9 hours would not be unreasonable. I'm gonna get the wheels about 6 inches off the pavement on 2x6 boards to have work room, but jacking isn't even necessary with the 4x4. I'm gonna do mine this weekend, btw. A Haynes manual is your friend, btw.