This engine uses a two piece seal so that means you should not have to remove the transmission, however you will have to remove the oil pan as well as the rear main bearing cap to expose the the seal. The bottom piece comes out easy, however I have known the upper half to stick and put up a fight. I just did one at work and the engine had to be raised about 3" to get the pan out. The upper part of the seal was a pain to get out, engine 170,000 miles on it.