Re: oil pan leak-slight/ FHF,Tom
Ken-
I have never done it that way (install the new-type oil seal) but it "probably" could be done. To get the front or nose of the pan to clear the front crank gear you need to jack-up the front of the engine about 3"-4". But, before you jack-up the engine, pull the distributor and remove the crank pulley. Now the "work" starts.
As you probably know, to lift the engine you need to remove the fuel pump and stand, loosen the exhaust manifolds, remove the lower radiator hoses, unloosen the upper hoses, remove the air filter, remove the cross-over pipe, remove the fan and the cam cover, remove the pan bolts and probably some other things I forgot to mention.
I would think, if everything goes right, you should have about 2 inches between the front of the oil pan and the front of the crankshaft. That should be enough to slide the seal on. If you don't have enough room you may be hung-up with a crank throw. Just spin the crankshaft slightly and you should be in business.
One disadvantage I see to this approach is the inability to drill a hole on the inside of the seal channel to provide an oil drain if any oil works its way around the seal. This is something I do and yes, I do know many others who have made this seal swap and did not add a drain hole and have not experienced any problems. I guess I want to cover all possible potentialities since so much work is involved.
If you try it this way and it works, let us all know what "quirks" you came across.
Hope this helps.
Tom