I found that all the other seals sold give you about 1/4" extra in the length. If you put a noose on one of them there isn't enough extra seal to remove the tool. the best seal gives you almost 2" extra in length.
I pull the transmission back and lower the crankshaft about 1/4" at the back and not as much at the front. That is also hard on the front seal. I use picture hanging wire to pull mine in. If you do drop the crank a bit, don't cut off the ends until you bring the crank up in place. That is because the seal will seat up into the groove when the crank is pulled up and the extra length will diminish some. I found this summer that it took a lot of patience. I used the thick Lucas oil product to lubricate the seal. Once the seal started to move in it went really smoothly.
