2 questions on the rear main seal for a 97 LT1.

1) I found a one piece rubber and a one piece teflon. Any advice for or against either one?

2) The Hayne's manual states that if a special tool is not available, the oil pan will need to be removed to replace the rear seal. Is this true, or can I just use a piece of PVC to help install it (looks like 5" or so).

 

the oil pan does not have to be taken off. but you do have to be carefull around it.

 

I'd say use the teflon. A 4" PVC pipe works great for install, and a large flat-head screwdriver works for removal. Easy swap once you get to it.

 

I made the mistake of taking off the plate that the seal presses into. Everything was cool, but there is a lip that goes into the pan, and I had to remove the whole pan just to put the seal plate back on.

 

Me too only I didn't do a very good job and the leaking pan ruined clutch disk#2. I sure learned that one the hard way.

 

What is this plate you speak of?

Was it a screw-up on your part? Or just a "**** happens" type thing...

I really can't afford to have my car down for any longer.

 

The "plate" is the aluminum piece that bolts to the block and holds the seal in place. You dont normally take it off to replace the seal, 'cause the seal just prys out with a flat-head screwdriver. There is three little places or so to pry it out at, you'll see.

 

Here's a couple of pictures I took when I did mine.
http://www.pharmacy.arizona.edu/staf...RMainSeal.html

 

Screw the special tool. Take the new seal to Home depot with you and pick out the piece of pipe that fits thebest. When I did it I found one with a little lip on it and the seal went in like a champ. Use a piece of 2x4 across the PVC pipe when you tap it in.

Piece o' cake