TwistedMinis
+1y
I'm not sure they came with an ID plate. But you can usually tell the manuals apart by the number of bolts on the top that hold the shift linkage in place. I have a chart in my book I think that shows the bolt patterns and what transmission it is.
As far as changing the seal, its really easy. You remove the felt seal with a screwdriver, and then remove the oil seal with a specialty tool that you can get at any auto store. Called an oil seal remover.
Getting your drive shaft shortened may cause a whole other set of issues. You would be best to fix the issue that cause the problem int he first place.