Hello all. I'm making slow (but steady) progress on my Auto
transmission but have a few questions. The history is that I have 2
auto transmissions. 1 has a bad transmission and 1 has a bad R&P. So
I figured why not stick the two halves together to make a good one.

I now have the two good halves clean and ready to go together but am
a little unsure of myself. I'm sure someone on the list has done this
and has more expertise on this than I. If you wouldn't mind
responding with some tips, hints and reassurance, I'd appreciate it.

1)
The second set of seals that I have are the ones that separate the
transmission fluid from the gear oil. I think these these the Pinion
oil seals (39.50). I haven't pulled off the cover plate (39.51 figure
4) yet. I'm sure it would be a bad thing to slip up and score sealing
surfaces, so are there any special tools, techniques etc on how to
get these seals out (without having special tools)? What am I going
to find? For example the bentley mentions that I should use sleeve
2058 when re-installing the cover (39.51 fig.4). Do I really need
this? I also don't have a press. Can I use a "hammer" press or should
I have them done for me?

2)
My second set of questions is about determining the shim thickness.
I'm not sure I get the procedure (38.5). One tranny had a 1.2mm shim
and the other had 2 x .4mm shims for .8mm total. As I'm using 2
different transmissions, and not just sticking it back together, I'm
assuming that this would be a fairly important thing. Is it important
or can I just pick one. I don't have the measuring tools needed and
would have to go and get some parts in order to measure.

3)
My third question is not imperative now, but I figure I should ask as
I prepare things. The differential pan gasket is something like $40.
I don't feel like paying that much. I did a subaru conversion and
noticed the oil pan is sealed with red RTV. Is that something that
could work. My oil pan gasket made from it has not leaked if that's
what subaru prescribes...Any reason to not try it?

I appreciate any help. It seems the more you learn, the less you know!

Aaron
'85 Westfalia