Rear Extension HousingGasket

[scottfridrich]

89 Ranger 2WD, A4LD, have a fluid leak at the rear extension housing gasket where the rear extension housing joins the rear body of transmission, not the rear oil seal where the driveshaft inserts. Couple questions, need to raise the transmission an inch or so, can this be done safely with a floor jack and block of wood on the pan, if not how? Will raising the transmission damage engine? Should the gasket which I believe is paper go in dry, or use sealer, RTV?

Thanks,

Scott