Transmission Experts Advice Please!, Multi year build consequences? Options

[Lucky9146]

Those not familiar with my thread http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=261197
I have been working on this car on and off over the past four years where I bought it from PO who had worked on it for about 3 years. I recently installed the engine and trans and have been feeling my way through hooking things up. A few days ago I put Swepco 201 in the trans and then came out the other morning and found it was leaking from the left axle seal.

This trans had been gone through under PO direction to add the 6 intermediate plate, perform an inspection, change a gear, a needle bearing, and gaskets. It has been sitting now for potentially 4-6 years, all indoors.

Right seal was not leaking but I was planning to change that seal too. Right side not apart yet and it could be in better condition since it is not leaking. Hoping this is the worst case scenario.

The pictures appear to show rust inboard of where the seal rides.

First question: Is rust in this area common?

Second question: Is there something further I can do short of pulling it to assess the internal health? And if not

Third question: Does this look like a complete tear down is warranted? Or

Fourth question: Should I just replace the stub shaft/ shafts? and call it good?

Last point is I am having a hell of a time getting the seal out.