Dear mountainman,

May this find You well. If the oil pan gasket is the source of the lower leak, go gently when snugging the bolts: they are easily stripped. Use two fingers on the wrench and snug in a zig-zag pattern. The goal is to compress, gently, the gasket.

If the rear main seal is leaking, you'll find oil on the starter motor housing.

If you have to pull the tranny, to replace the rear mains seal, replace the seals and bushings on the transmission. The cost is low.

Hope this helps.

Yours faithfully,

Jay E.