t500 bad crank oil seal, process? remove engine?

[PippiFyrecracker]

I've ordered all the parts I need and I'm wondering if I can check to see if its the left or the right oil seal that is leaking. Or if it even matters. Would I be able to access it by taking off side covers etc? Or is it enevitable that I remove the engine and split it horitozontally etc to access the crank? I'm trying to keep it simple as this is my first time repairing anything bottom end related.

[lrutt]

How do you know if it's an outside or inside oil seal that is leaking?

Are you burning trans fluid or just running lean. Which cylinder is showing signs of problems? Which one is smoking?

[PippiFyrecracker]

my friend and I successfully changed both oil seals, without a horizontal split in the engine. kept to the minimum work. we did the clutch side first since its usually the most common to go. Also the new ones were from the engine seal kit on ebay (somewhere in british columbia)
sidenotes.
we had to jam a piece of aluminum on the right-clutch side to stop the crank from turning while trying to get off some of the peices.
we used the rear axle as a puller on the alternator-left side.

I'll msg back after some riding and report back if this solved the issue or not.. fingers crossed!