year was struggling with a transmission leak. Found out it was the shift shaft seal. It would probably be possible to replace it without dropping the skid plate, but the transmission mount needed to be replaced anyway so dropped it, pulled out the old gasket, cleaned and put a new one in, the leak is GONE! I'd say get a $20 tool to pull out an old seal, no disappointment is $20 and that's what you'll experience if you don't get the tool. Ready in less than an hour.