I have a 1982 trans am which will eventually need a new rear main seal. The motor is a Crossfire Injected 305 V8 and the transmission is a TH200 3-sp without overdrive. I need to know the procedure for replacing the rear main seal. Sounds pretty straight forward from the books/documents I've read, but I wanted to get real-world input from someone who's done it before. If anyone knows any unexpected things to look for, etc., any tips, whatever, please post it here. I'm probably going to have it done somewhere or do it with a friend. It's never had any work done to it and I want the originality preserved.. that's the main thing.
Thanks
GT

 

Typical 2-piece SBC rear main seal, not anything unusual. The pan will have to come off, and at the very least the rear main cap. Probably you will have to loosen the other main caps to get the upper half of the seal out. I've taken the upper part of the seal out with a tool made to do that and with an assortment of sharp objects (like a small screwdriver) and its not really necessary to have a tool for the seal. Make sure you clean up the rear main cap and the mounting area REALLY good, no oil residue at all. Clean the ends of the seal while you are at it. Dont line up the seal with the block and cap, you want it twisted in there maybe 1/8" to 1/4". Use silicone or some other decent sealer on the ends of the seal and the main cap mounting flanges, but dont use alot on the cap, just a little will go a long way. It just needs enough to prevent leaks between the metal parts. Oiling the edge of the seal that touches the crank would be a good idea.