Porsche Repair: 944 porsche transmission repair, porsche engineers, cv joints

Question
dave, i have a 1986 non-turbo automatic 944 that leaks in the front of the transmission where the torque tube inserts.  will the transmission need to be removed to replace this input seal or can the tube just be dropped?  
thank you,
vince scholle
plyoman@hotmail.com

Answer
Hi Vince,

I haven't had the "pleasure" of replacing that seal so I can't speak from experience...but I've been looking at the procedure to remove the transmission as well as the possibility of removing the torque tube individually...and here's what I think:

Those Porsche engineers just don't want anyone messing with their stuff unless it's laying on the ground first.  

It appears that the torque tube has to be free of the engine or free of the transmission before it goes anywhere.  So...in your case splitting the torque tube from the transmission and moving the trans rearward is the answer.  I'm thinking that there may be a way to make the trans move enough  without dropping it all the way down or without disconnecting the CV joints/axle shafts.  But, this would be a trial and error process that may eventually lead to the trans being all the way out anyway.

OK, OK, that was a long way of saying go buy a drip pan and live with the leak as long as you can.  Or is that where you are now?

Dave