I need to replace the tail shaft bushing on my trans, as you can see it's making a mess of the underside of the car. It's more than the seal, there is obvious play when I move the driveshaft.

Is it possible to remove the tail housing and repair it on the bench or would that be opening a can of worms? I see there's a tool to do it in the car: http://atoztool.com/2200.html but I'd rather not spend that for a one time repair. Can I improvise somehow?

I bought this seal and bushing kit below.

 

Its pretty simple once the extension housing is unbolted. Unhook the speedo cable,remove the driveshaft, 4 bolts and its off. You can use a chisel to cut out the bushing and seal, but you will need a bushing driver to install the bushing without mangling it. I have used a camshaft bearing installation tool to install oddball bushings, or take the extension housing to a trans shop to be installed

 

I had an issue (of my own doing) with my TH400 and I had the tail shaft off so I just took it over to a trans shop and the guy sold me a new bushing and installed in on the bench for $20. I was happy with that as it saved me all sorts of time and I wanted to get my car back on the road ASAP.

 

Sounds good, I was thinking if I had a socket the same diameter as the bushing I could drive it in slowly and carefully if that would work.

Are there gaskets and seals I should replace while I have it off? I was thinking of the speedometer o-ring(s) but is there a gasket for the tail housing to case I need to get?

 

It might have a gasket. If that's the case it should be cheap.