hi all, while pulling my t56 transmissionearlier this month to replace clutch/flywheel ***'y i noticed that the rear main seal was leaking a bit. do i need to purchase the seal installer j35621 to do this job or can the seal be replaced without the tool?(tool gonna cost$170 by the time i get it)also my crank seal on the front of themotor shows signs of leaking. seems to me i can pry that seal out and drive a new one in with a socket. while im there im thinking to replace the opti seal and water pump drive seal. i figured i might as well do the oil pan gasket until i realized i gotta pull my exhaust off and lift the motor. the exhaust manifold to pipe studs look a litttle worse for wear and even with heat i know im gonna break them. i really dont want to have to pull my exhaust manifolds if i dont have too. so the short of it is can i replace the rear main and the 3 seals on the timing chain cover without specialty tools and without dropping the oil pan?
i know some people are gonna say get rid of the manifolds but....$1200 trans repair
$450 clutch/flywheel
$350 new opti
$125 water pump
$200 fluids/misc
$500 new eaton 10 bolt
-
$2800 Christmas present for me
already.
ps. transmission was popping out of 3 gear intermittently when decelerating.
and can anyone recommend a good set of long pipe headers that will bolt right in just in case i change my mind!!
1997 30th anniversary z/28 5.7 6 speed k&n cai,short throw shifter, flowmaster cat back,

 

disregard thoughts on seized exhaust manifold bolts/studs......some heat and they came right off.
in the past ive had terrible luck with these on other vehicles. so now i will do the oil pan gasket as well. but the question remains......do i need seal installer for rear main???

 

you don't absolutly have to use it. All it is is a round socket looking tool that you put on the seal and tap it into place. If you can find something the same circumfranceand diameteras the seal and sturdy enough to tap with a hammer you should be fine.