Replace rear main seal without removing housing possible?

[MADMarc]

Just like the title sounds. I have the trans, clutch and fly off the car right now. There was oil inside of the bellhousing and on the shield against the engine (not flung though) so I figure i might as well swap the seal since I have the seal...but not the whole housing. My question is: can I do my damndest to remove the seal that's in there now, then put some oil on the inside of the new one and slide it in without messing with the housing? I really don't want to mess up the seal on the oil pan because its one of the few things that isn't leaking on my car! Hahah thanks for any input

[RealMcCoy]

I do it all the time... You just have to be careful to get it at the right depth, and installed square. It's very easy to push it in too far.

[MADMarc]

Any secret to getting it out without pushing it in further and further? Also, do I need to drain the oil beforehand? I'm not sure if the oil level goes that high or not :/

Thanks!

Ohhh before I forget, I read elsewhere that it should be approximately .040" in...is that correct? I can't find it in the shop manual.

[MADMarc]

Pull and replaced Just need to make sure it's even enough and recessed correctly.