So...I went ahead with the patch method on the leaking countershaft. I cleaned the area several times starting with acetone and ending with brake clean and compressed air in between applications. I used Permatex for Gear Oil, and cut a patch of .030" gasket paper exactly 1-1/8" diameter, which allows for a 1/8" overlap over the shaft. I applied Permatex to the shaft, pushed it with my thumb, then applied the patch and centered it. I placed a very strong round magnet over the patch and left it cure for 48 hours.
Filled the trans back up with Pennzoil synchromesh manual trans fluid and let it sit for 48 hours to confirm it stopped the leak. I reinstalled the trans to the bellhousing carefully so as to not rotate the trans when close to the bellhousing as it might damage the gasket. The gasket does not interfere with mating the trans to the stock bellhousing. Its been a week now and no leaks. Thank you Hyper_Pak for the suggestion!
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