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The crank needs to be lowered slightly in order to get the seal out so that's why the transmission needs to be removed. I've never tried replacing a seal with the engine in the car, though, and I don't think I would want to attempt it!

I was a little surprised by the number of folks who said they'd never heard of a sneaky pete tool. If you Google "sneaky pete tool" you'll get a load of hits for a rear main bearing seal tool kit. Here's one just picked at random:

https://jmcautomotiveequipment.com/lisle-27000-sneaky-pete/?msclkid=4e9e61946e2c1e35d7a53fac412846f6&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Generic%20Desktop%20-%20Bing%20%26%20AOL%20-%20CPC-%200.50&utm_term=4585581967415740&utm_content=All%20Products

Cool little doo-dad, Dave - I have to admit to being amongst those not up on what a 'sneaky Pete' is; I'd HEARD the term, but had no idea what it was for.... Chris.

Thanks, Tobs,
Your project blog and the links on it are Very helpful. I will not attempt this, but I will pull the most relevant excerpts for the shop I'm taking it to. Replacing the Rear Main Seal involves not only a Sneaky Pete, but it's a Tricky Dick of a project.
I will have them document what they do with photos.

Hey Joe,

Good luck with the 'surgery' - keep us posted on the results. I'm with you in that it isn't a job I would tackle either. Hope you get a good result. Like Dave says, they are pretty long-lasting seals and once properly installed, you should be good for a long, long time. Chris.