89 e-350 17ft box van. Tranmission gasket?

I had a Transmission leak on my truck/van and I looked under to discover the pan gasket was bad. I dropped the pan and changed the filter and gasket and now there is no leak there. However there is still a very slow drop leak at the front of the tranny. I decided to look around only to find the inspection plate was gone. Can fluid be comming from there or is there a gasket where it bolts to the engine? Anyone have picks or suggestions? The trannie is a c6 and the engine is a 460

Yes, ATF can leak from the front (input) of the transmission, this is called an "input seal leak".

With the inspection cover missing, I would guess that the seal has become dirty and worn. That is why the cover is there, to keep everything clean. To change this seal, you must remove the transmission (and torque converter) from the vehicle - or at least unbolt it and slide it back farenough to replace the seal. A competant shop can do this in under 2 hrs.

If the leak is small, very small, I would not fix it but keep a sharp eye on the ATF level at least every fill-up.

What is this seal called? I need to know what it is called so I can buy it.

"Front pump seal", "Input seal", or "Turbine shaft seal", all the same part.

Basically it is the oil seal in the front of the transmission.

Ok I bought the seal and the Haynes repair manual but there is nothing in there on how to change this. Can you provide me a link to instructions and picks on how to change this.
Thank you

No links, but you NEED a transmission jack.

If you have not done a lot of engine work before, and are not COMPLETELY comfortable with repairing anything mechanical and/or lying under a vehicle for an hour or two while it is jacked up AND SUPPORTED WITH STANDS, then I suggest that a "professional" shop would be a better idea.

I have done alot of engine work... I am not afraid of the work or hazzards that come with it. It just helps to have a reference guide while doing it. I could just follow the haynes on dropping the trannie but I was hopeing to just move it back enough to change the seal. Hope someone else comes throigh with some links. thanks for your replies and time and BTW.... I will not pay a shop 65 plus an hour to change this.

Good, I am glad to see people who believe that to do things yourself has value!

Yes, I would do just as you suggested, pull the trans and TConverter back just far enough to remove the TC (it will spill A LOT of ATF), then pry out the old seal, and carefully install the new. If you can find a piece of PVC pipe that fits the seal well, it can be used to install it properly and usually w/o fear of damage.

I always put a dab of white grease on the spring on the bakc side of the seal to revent it from comming off during installation.