Anyone have any tips for removal? I know they rarely fail, but it's been in there for over 100k mi and thought since the transmission is out it's a good idea. Searched but only came up with rear seal stuff. Thanks.

Edit:

Just remembered that the front cover didn't have a gasket but the fsm says there should be one. Could I seal it with some silicone and forget about it? Or should I get the gasket.

 

I just read that the input shaft needs to be removed first. Can anyone confirm this?