348 Gearshift Shaft Seal Removal? Help!

In my seemingly futile quest to keep my 348 from marking its territory all over my garage floor I've tracked down my worst leak to the transmission shift shaft seal, which appears to be a common leak.

I've gotten everything exposed, bought my $3 seal, but cannot for the life of me figure out how to get the damn seal out. I have a variety of picks, but none have seemed to be able to get any sort of hold onto the seal, and it just seems to want to tear (without actually coming out).

Can anyone tell me the best way to get this PITA thing removed?

 

I was able to get it out! Used a right angle pick, and a few choice curse words directed at the underside of the car.

Since I wasnt able to find pictures of this being done before... here's my breakdown.

Had to get the pick behind the seal carefully and coax it out SLOWLY so the pick wouldn't slip out.

To replace the seal, use a deep well socket to slip over the shaft and tap it with a hammer to seat the seal evenly. You'll likely have to unbolt the shift cables for this step to move them out of the way (as you can see in the picture).

Overall not a terrible job. Just annoying.

 

On another note.. anyone know where I can source another shift linkage boot or have one I can buy?

Part # 139802.

Don't need the plate just need the boot. Mine has seen better days.

 

Thanks I'll see if I can source it there.


In other news a little over a week since replacing the seal and my garage floor is completely dry!!!!

I did verify that the car does indeed still have fluids in it. Lol. So we're leak free for the time being. Has this ever happened in 348 world?

 

Well no luck. That boot is unavailable. Anyone have a used one that's not falling apart?