02 8.1L crankshaft problem?

I recently upgrade my 97 to a 02 2500HD with the 8.1L. I have discovered that the front crankshaft seal is leaking oil. I took it too a shop and they told me that the crankshaft has too much end play, and the seal can't be fixed without fixing this. That is a major engine overhaul. My question is, is there really a way to determine this with out tearing the engine down? Also, is this a common thing? It only has 77,000 miles on it. This surprises me for the mileage. So, any recommendations on what i should do?

Sounds strange.
Is the end play over specs?
Or how much end play doe it have?
Has a new seal been installed?

usually you would get this with manual transmissions. You dont need a whole overhaul but maybe a new thrust bearing or bearing set.

I do not know if it is out of spec. They only told me they noticed play when looked at the front seal. If it is a thrust bearing, can that be done from underneath through the pan, or pull the motor?

There is not enough miles on it to be bad yet.
Check it out real close.
I would get a second opinion/check on it.
End play should not wipe out the seal.
And if that much side play the engine would be knocking.
I would put a new seal in it and check the crank pulley snout.
They make a ready sleeve for a worn crank pulley snout.
Good Luck

I get a knock in morning for about a min then it goes away. I do get a flutter sound when i accelerate but I think the exhaust manifold is leaking a little. My 97 made the same noise. Other then that it sounds clean.

Not sure about your '02 8.1, but I thought I had a front seal leak on my '98 7.4. Turned out to be the o-ring on the CKP (Crank Position Sensor).

It is the seal where the crank pulley is. At first, we thought it was the oil cooler lines.

It looks like the main seal is leaking as well. Guess it must be the thrust bearing.

Check end play before throwing thrust bearing at it.