77' Tradesman 200 Transmission Shift Linkage / Bell Houseing Seal question

[method5150]

Ok, I’m a noob to this forum and this is my first post.

I've inherited a 1977 Tradesman 200 w/ a slight transmission leak.

So far the only money I’ve spent on this project is the tow from my work to home (175$).

At first I wasn't quite sure where the leak was coming from but upon inspection (and a little brake clean) narrowed it to the shift linkage. After startup and driving it forward and reverse clean ATF clearly is running down from the shaft/bell housing/sump pan, and on driveway floor. At first inspection I thought possibly from the small rubber grommet that sits atop the shaft that sticks out of the transmission housing (you can see this from the picture at end of description).

After cleaning and further disassembly of shift linkage I noticed brakeclean was actually entering from outside housing and into shift linkage. So I figured since fluid is coming from outside in, the leak is probably the seal on the actual housing that sits around the shaft that is connected internally to the valve body (which you can also see in the picture below.. just a little dirty).

I took the valve body off (since that shaft is actually connected to valve body.. you can see this from the internal shot I took before taking valve body out).

So, here's the actual question! lol... I just want to try and make a clear picture of the situation. so..
It looks like the seal on the transmission housing is pressed in. I'm not sure if I can pry it out w/ a big screwdriver (from the outside) and muscle it out? I figure if I mess it up no big deal since it's not going back in.
Would it be wise to press a new seal in w/ a c-clamp or some sort or will this mess the new seal up and possibly the housing up?
This is what I really don't want to do... this would really suck if I had to take the whole transmission out just to press in this small seal?
Maybe a special manufacture tool?

Also.. Does anyone have the tranny rebuild shop manual for this model? After this is all said and done I still need the torque specs for the valve body/sump pan and a check ball fell out.. lol... be nice not to have to spend the extra 35$ on the service manual from JCwhitney

ok.. Well, any help/suggestions/comments would be greatly appreciated. I plan on this being my temporary work van until I can afford something a little newer and better on MPG.

(attached pics not sure how this is going to look.. )

[Chump]

There are 2 seals in that area and 1 on the dipstick tube that you should replace. The one pressed into the housing you should be able to tap out with a punch/screwdriver and install with a socket or c-clamp. Here's the tool for the same seal, a bit pricey at any good local auto parts store.
The 3 seals you can get at NAPA...
Shift lever seal......ATP 14582 $1.70
Throttle lever seal...ATP 13308 $1.00
Dipstick O-ring.......ATP 13901 $0.30

[alloro]

That seal just pops out and a new one gets tapped right back in. It's similar to a wheel bearing seal on a front rotor if you've ever done one of those.

For someone to post the torque specs., you would need to specify the tranny you have.

[Dodgevanman]

I've changed several of these seals. Rebuilders forget to change them all the time.

[method5150]

thanks alot chump for the part numbers. I popped the seal out w/ a screwdriver and bought a seal from napa. I didn't notice the slight height difference between the new seal and old.... (new seal being a little shorter). so i'm not sure if it matters or maybe the wrong part.

I think it's the a727 or a904. I ordered the ATSG repair manuel off ebay for cheap. soon as that comes in i'll throw everything back together and see what happens!

[Dodgevanman]

You definitely have the A727.

[method5150]

would like to thank you guys for all your help. I installed the valve body along w/ new seals and NO leaks!!! bad rear tire prevented a proper test drive. just need to throw the grill back on and dog house. hopefully get'er road ready soon!

[Dodgevanman]

Post some pics of your van when you get a chance. :)