That or a small slide hammer with a large washer under the end nut is what i've used. Easy peasy!! Did you verify that its not the dipstick tube seal leaking and trailing to that side? Those are the worst for that too!
I felt and reached around all I could. I thought it was the dipstick at first also but its not. Dipstick is brand new and the rubber grommet/Seal is doing its job.
Oil leaks are hard to pin point sometimes. I have spent 3 Different occasions trying to find this one. It is definitely at the shift shaft.
Another good idea on the slide hammer. I just bought a brand new one a few weeks ago. :D