I have done everything in my power to get the top portion of the rear main seal off. All crank bearing caps loosened and have been beating on the metal core on the passenger side for days. Pretty sure the lower portion of the seal was the culprit as it was torn a bit. I have some anerobic sealant. Who’s to say if I just lathered her up on the edges that I can call it a day and it won’t leak? If that’s a bad idea then I need some help, I’ve read every thread and tried everything..

 

I'm not too proud to say that I ran into this exact issue at least 5 years ago. Buttoned it back up and it's been fine ever since...

 

I have shoved a pick in there trying to break it free and have beat on it a bit... Bought some anerobic rtv, debating on just sealing the bottom with the rtv and doing that. Think the RTV might seal the damage I’ve done?

 

I’ve even tried butting the pick on a bottle jack and putting pressure on it and it is welded in there. All bearing caps are loose and there is 0 play in it. I’ve never been defeated on a job before but this one got me.. Took 3 days to get the oil pan out, it’s on stock height and was absolutely miserable. Plus side is I’m replacing all the bushings and shocks that I took off to let the axle hang.

 

The only thing that I can think of is to make sure that your punch is small enough that it's only hitting the seal, (and not the block where it seats). I've done a bunch and never had one that didn't come out, but I did make a mistake the first time and had too large of a punch and did not realize it with all of the gunk and sealer in the way.

 

I’m using an 1/8” punch that fits well it’s just they used so much RTV when they installed it that it is just seized in there. Idk who did the last one but I’d like to have a word with them..lol

 

Make sure it's a brass punch! I had to beat on mine a bit but switched back and forth on each end of the seal until it broke free.

 

Bigger hammer is always the answer.

 

Update:
Left the original top seal. Didn't want to mess with it anymore. No more leaks and works great.