I have seen stovebolt timing covers made both ways. I do believe the ones where the seal installs from behind are the really early model covers - that probably utilize a rope type seal. Covers that use the typical lip type seals have the seal installed from the front side.
I have contemplated doing the whole shebang when I get ready to do this - pull the balancer, drop the pan and pull the timing cover, etc. Replace the rear main seal as well. This thing sat for almost 40 years with the fuel pump removed - so there's no telling what might be in the pan. lol I did flush it out good before I started running it and it does have good oil pressure. However it would be a good idea to clean it out.
