transmission leak

[rmk57]

  I have a ford-o-matic and its leaking oil out of the throttle/manual shaft levers and I
was wondering if the seals can be changed by dropping the pan and accessing it with
the trans still in the car?

[Hoosier Hurricane]

It can be done in the car.  Can be frustrating because of the spring loaded ball for the shift detent.  If it is a T-Bird the trans will have to be unbolted from the bellhousing, the rear mount unhooked, and the transmission rotated so that the levers will clear the X member.

John

[rmk57]

It's a 1957 Custom. I found a repair manual online about disassembly and repair and it did  mention the detent ball
flying out. What it doesn't get into is wether the trans has to be out of the car or not. Thanks Randy