Inspection of a 904 torqueflite

Might have some dead thrust washers? I wondered why it was not riding on the band surface

I won’t soak them.

Can I take the pump off by just screwing in bolts and marring the front case. ....or should I hit it with a slide hammer or chain.

Last time I just see a bolt in and put a circular mark in the gasket surface
..should be a sealing problem.....but I don’t know for sure