Do I have to drop the trans?
 

I want to replace the gasket labeled 8 in both of the attached diagrams. It is cracked and starting to slip down, making the leak worse. I was initially hoping that I could just remove the cover labeled 6 in the first diagram and 7 in the second, but after looking at it more closely it seems that the spare tire well may get in the way. There is at most about 2 inches of space between the back of the cover and the tire well. Has anyone tried removing this cover without dropping the trans? I really hope that there is plenty of clearance from the gears and it is possible to wiggle it off. On a side note I am planning on putting Amsoil in there afterward (the 75W 90 synthetic), does anyone have experience with this oil in cold weather (I live in MN).
Thanks,
Nate

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Never tried it, but having done 944 trans repairs, I'd say it would need to come out.

You should also replace the end cap #12 on the big diagram as they can and do leak.

Thanks Britwrench. I forgot to mention that I already have that cap, and plan on replacing it also. I think I might just give it a try and if I cant get the cover off I will just put it back on and drop the trans.

You will definately have to take the trans from the car to get to that gasket. The reason is that that housing has to be slid from the input shaft. You will have to destroy the end cap anyways to get to the big bolt in the back. Make sure you keep track of the bearings that are in that housing.

Yeah you are definitely right about having to drop the trans. I just got back from working on it, and just refilled the fluid for now. I think I might just hold off on this for a little while until I go in to replace the clutch.