The puddle of clean engine oil which appears on my garage floor under the rear of the engine tells me it’s time to replace the rear seal. Engine was rebuilt in the early 90’s (40-50K ago) and the front seal, which I replaced not too long ago, was the old felt design. So I’m guessing the rear is, too. Things are complicated by my having an M410, which has the transmission attached from inside the bell housing. (I swore I’d never buy another car with something like that, but didn’t realize this anomaly existed in old Volvos). As I contemplate whether to do this myself or pay someone else to do it, I have a few questions.

1. Are the new seals and modified housings available? (Planetman?). I have a spare (felt seal) housing.

2. Do you have to drop or otherwise disturb the oil pan?

3. Since i’ll be fitting a new clutch while I’m in there, how difficult is the transmission mainshaft bushing (in the crank) to remove/replace? Once installed, does it need to be reamed or require any special fitting before trying to maneuver the incredibly heavy and awkward bell housing/trans/overdrive assembly back into place? Or, should I just ignore replacing that bushing.

4. Also, while I have the transmission out, would it be a good time to replace the synchronizers? Are they available? Assume disassembly would require some special tools?

5. Should the flywheel be resurfaced as a matter of routine…or what should I look for that would necessitate that.

Plus any other hints from those with more recent experience (haven’t done a clutch on a Volvo, or any other car, in 40 years) would be greatly appreciated.

And, yes, I’ve had the drive shaft rebalanced, so i know to mark it carefully before removing it.