I need to replace my rear main seal. When I took the bearing cap off, the seal was turned and sticking up about 3/8 of an inch.

Can this be done easily without removing all the pistons and crank?

The seal should be turned a little so the split is not even with the machined surface. Yes it is possible to replace the seal without taking out the crank. There is a tool to help with the job.

I have always put them flush with the machined surface. Is this wrong? ANYONE.

What tool do I need. This could save hours

You can push around with a small screw driver and pull it with pliers then oil up the new one and push it back in just like it was, protruding out some.

The new seal should have a small plastic installation tool included in the package (FelPro).
You should try to offset the seal mating surface from the block mating surface. This helps prevent leaks.

Bob

I use a small screw driver that dipped into that rubber coating to prevent scuffing the seal surface accidentally. Then pull it thru using pliers as above.

Always offset the seal from the mating surfaces to prevent leaks.

The seal PULLER looks like a small corkscrew. You can use something similar, although that tool is cheap.