Small Block & Big Block Chevy Specific - Changing rear seal in car?

i'm working on one of our wheat trucks and i have the pan off and was wondering if it is possible to change a two piece rear seal WITHOUT removing the crankshaft.

Is there a special tool to push the old top half around and out?

Could i possibly loosen the mains and get the crank to drop down 1/4" and get the old seal out?

lemme know if you have any ideas


BTW this is a factory single lip seal from 1969 or so

do not drop the crank down. just remove the #5 main cap, and take a small screwdriver and push on one end of the seal that is in the block untill it comes around the crank. hope this helps.

when i started i totally banked on being able to slide it out that way

i tried using a screwdriver but that MF'er is in there, like it's glued to the block. it smashed up the metal core of the seal but the thing didn't budge. i think i'm thoroughly screwed now.

any ideas?

maybe i'll use a piece of wood and get a little more aggressive

some people put silicone in the block to hold the seal, which really does not need to be done. small block chevs have a really good rear main seal. maybe try spraying 2+2 gum cutter on the seal, crazy idea i know, but it might eat away and loosen up the seal. hopefully. maybe try a nut driver handle without the socket on it and a mallet.

Try a small hook to pull it out--I ahve done it this way a few different times.
Hope this helps you

took a few days off of the project to cool off. but i finally got the bastard out it was kicking and screaming :punch:the whole way but i didn't have to pull the motor!

used a piece of an electrician's metal fish tape (a lot stiffer than steel wire) tapered one endand used a hammer to gently tap it in behind the seal and the block. once it snaked all the way around the thing just slipped out like i had planned in the first place.:nod:

cool. glad it finally went well for you. sometimes you just need to take a brake from stubborn things.