NP435 Main Drive Gear Seal

[7DF250]

I pulled my engine a few weeks ago and I have been procrastinating on cleaning the engine compartment since. Today I pulled out the Makita, threw a wire wheel on and had at it. I got the starboard inner fender looking pretty good. I intend to put a crate engine in within the next few weeks. Anyway, my tranny leaks like a sieve. It only has 45K miles and shifts fine, so I do not intend to try a rebuild just yet. I have read the service manual posted on the site and I have learned the oil seal in the Rear Main Bearing Retainer is easily replaced. I pulled the bell housing and have easy access to the Drive Gear Bearing Retainer, only four bolts. My question is, can I remove the Drive Gear Bearing Retainer to replace the seal and gasket? Or will it be difficult to remove or replace?
Thanks for any advice, Keith

[AlleyCat]

Just remove the bolts, tap the retainer side to side a bit to break the gasket and slide it off.Be careful not to pull the input shaft out because, if memory serves me correctly it has needle bearings where it slides over the mainshaft.If you pull it out the needles will most likely fall down into the gears.Not a disaster by any means but you'll have to pull the trans apart to fish them out.

[7DF250]

Thanks for the advice AlleyCat, I'll be careful.
Cheers, Keith