Rebuilt A 833 front oil leak
Sticking Trans
AJ, yes tranny reinstallation was complete and I had 1 or 2 drives on the car, then the leak started again. All mating surfaces are free of paint, trans work has always included the use of a tranny jack so there's been very little trans hanging if any. Bell has never been welded, I sand blasted and inspected it before paint.
Trans reassembly
The front seal looked perfect to me so I left it alone, especially knowing the wrong bearing retainer "was the problem" maybe I should have replaced it. I used Permatex sealant on the factory bolt head flanges only.
Unknowns
Now, I have not been under the car yet for a close inspection yet so : After the trans was in I did discover a leak at the reverse light switch so I replaced it and everything was dry for many days while sitting static. (I stabbed the new switch in quickly without draining the oil) I'm praying the new reverse light switch is the leak source again, if so I will drain the oil and re-install it using silicone I guess. You know, the smell of gear oil never bothered me until this go-around. LOL