Here is a pic showing the pain reverse bolt.

I was getting ready to get out the #12 sledge hammer. You definitely found my problem. Thanks!

Another term for that bolt is the "bush" bolt. Once it is out, its tossed into the bush to be forgotten forever.

Now you have the tranny out was the oil leak the rear main?

The reason I could not see the 'bush bolt' was my view was obstructed by the bracket that attaches the tranny to the block on the passenger side. Once I realized I had overlooked that bracket I could see the bolt (by the way that bolt is 18mm not 15 mm, that cost me 15 minutes!). I am about 16 hours into this project and it has become very clear to me why most people would junk a car with 220,000 miles and leaks a quart every 400 miles from the rear main seal.

What I found was not as bad as I expected. I thought I would find oil everywhere behind the flywheel. What I did find was that the lower right bolt on the aluminum plate that holds the rear main was not even finger tight. I read the FSM and all it did was confuse me and make the repair seem very complicated. Looking for someone with experience replacing the cover to give me some advice.

Also the the seal on the drivers side axle has apparently been leaking for some time. Looks like I could just pull the seal out and replace it. Could it be that simple?

Well, this is a first. This also explains why your flexplate was dry.

BUT, while your right there, you might as well REPLACE the rear main seal and be done with it.

I'm not sure about the 4T65-E trans. My 95 manual doesn't cover it. But I also think your a candidate for a bad solenoid valve. Which requires pulling the side cover to replace them. Might as well do that too while its out.

oops, already answered.....

Forgot to add, since the bolt was loose, I would remove the whole plate, and replace the gasket......also replace the rear main seal.....I know there is a special tool for the seal......not sure of the procedure on the plate...need a manual......

This is out of my 95 service manual. Same engine either way.

Mike, I can't seem to zoom in on your FSM pages. Is there a zoom feature that I can't find?
Went to Advance Auto, they had both the right and left axle seals for less than $20 . The FSM says you simply pop them out with a screw driver and install the new one. Seems like cheap insurance while I am here. Can you be more spefic about the solenoid that I should replace? Looking at the manual it seems there are several.