[Vwdiesel] Transmission/Gearbox questions...

[rod welch]

Hello all,  I've finally got around to doing something about the major oil
leak from the clutch housing.... (1.6D, 1983, Transporter)  I'm a bit
alarmed at the amount of side play on the input shaft to the diff, it's
wobbling around like a fish...  is this normal??  The seal was well and
truly shot, about 5mm on each side of the shaft.

My other major concern is the socket on the end of the crank, that takes the
shaft, (in the center of the fly wheel).... 
(sorry, I don't know the proper terms for everything... it's confusing
enough, I mean, is a tranny a gearbox or a diff??  is a fender a bumper or a
wing?? And what is a quarter panel??  How about wheel arch??
Inner/outer??... etc.. etc..) 

 Anyway, in the depths of the socket I found a few bits of metal and what
looks like the remains of an O-ring... Now as far as I can work out, there
should be a needle bearing in there... could it have just ground away to
nothing?? And am I looking at the remains of the outer shell??  The end of
the shaft on the box is a bit grooved, I hope this is not too serious.. The
fly wheel is off but the engine is still in the van, (and I want to keep it
that way if at all possible...)  If that is the shell of the bearing has
anyone any ideas on how to get it out??  

Saw a photo of an extracting tool in the haynes manual but can't see what it
actually is.. Anyone know what it looks like or have a link to a photo so I
can make something myself?

I leave it in your capable hands....  any advice is welcome.......   rod