I have decided to let the seal go while keeping an eye on it. I will clean it up and see how long it takes to weep. If quickly, I will pay the local Ford dealer for 1.5 hrs to R&R so the pressure is on them. The local dealer charges 85 bucks per hour. Seems high, is it?
I have all my parts, less the brake shoes, and am ready to press on this weekend. Questions:
1-should I remove the pumpkin cover, clean and inspect the area, before refilling?

2-Is the gasket RTV?

3-Fluid? Synthetic or petro based?

4-Check the breather tube.

5-am I missing anything?