You have to remove the front cover that bolts to the front of the transmission, or in our case, we had to pull the belt pulley mechanism and the gear that drove it. You'll also need to pull the PTO shaft, as it goes through the middle of it all.

I doubt this will help the engine oil leak. Those cork seals can take a little running to seat in and seal good. You should be able to get a better look, as you will have the bell housing off in order to change the bearing in the transmission. The 88 we worked on was leaking at the soft plug for the cam shaft.