[Dave at Pelican Parts]

First, check the stuff that's coming out. Smell it--if it smells like sulphur (rotten eggs), it's transmission oil. Motor oil does not smell as nasty.

Next, oil will go toward the bottom rear of the car. Gravity will pull it down, and the air flowing over the car when the car is in motion will push it toward the back. So leaks are usually at the furthest forward and furthest up point where you find the leaked-out oil. Make sure you don't have any leaks that could get to the bellhousing.

And yes, removing the transmission without removing the engine is pretty easy. You will likely have to lower the back of the engine a little bit, so you might consider loosening the front mounting bolts so you don't put too much stress on the rubber engine mounts. And don't use a jack to support the engine for a long time (especially overnight), they can sag. Which will tear your engine mounts. (Guess how I know??)

Look for a loose or leaking oil gallery plug when you have the flywheel off the engine. That is another possible source of leaks. Pain to deal with if it happens.

Clean up the clutch disk, pressure plate, and flywheel friction surface with acetone if you find any oil on any of those.

--DD