1950 Dodge Coronet Rear Main Seal Replace without removing oil pan?

[kballein]

I'm looking to replace the rear main seal on my 1950 Dodge Coronet.  I haven't opened it up yet, but it looks like it's possible to replace the lower part of the seal without removing the oil pan.  It's the seal with 3 bolts on the top and 3 bolts on the bottom.

 

Can I just remove the three bolts and replace?  Do I really have to remove the oil pan?

Edited September 13 by kballein
title change

[JBNeal]

If it's a 1950 flathead, there's a rope seal in there that is not a slam dunk to replace...I believe the rope seal is the oil seal for the crankshaft, and those bolt-on seals are dust seals to keep debris from damaging the rope seal.

[keithb7]

Remove drive line. Remove transmission. Remove pressure plate and clutch. Remove flywheel. Remove oil pain. Remove crank rear main cap. Replace rear seal. Clean all.  Reassemble all with all new seals, gaskets and fluids. 
 

Or you can skip some steps and then do it all again next winter. Lol.

Edited September 13 by keithb7

[keithb7]

This may give you some insight. My recent delve into the rear seal leaks. My ‘38 is similar, yet not exact. Same principles and procedures. 
 

 

[Sam Buchanan]

Or put a pan under the car at night.......   😆