Method of removing rear main seal?

[twsutt]

Last night I spent over an hour removing my rear main seal. I don't mean pulling the trans and clutch, I mean just getting the seal out of the block. There has got be an easier way.

The seal was dry and cracked and stuck fast to the engine. First, I had to break things free by placing a flat-head screwdriver against the seal every few millimeters and driving it hard with a rubber hammer until a "snap" is heard. Then I had to drill out a series of small holes around the seal through the interior metal "skeleton" of the seal and screw in a metal screw to pull like hell on. The pulling and tugging probably took about 40 minutes of grunting, sweating and cursing.

Is it usual for the seal to be this difficult? Is there any other way without going at it from inside the engine?

[Zforce]

Self tapping screws then lever out

[Diseazd]

Self tapping screws then lever out

That will work or you can buy a seal removal tool........they're cheap!