Fatguy, Its not a real big job to replace the shifter rod seal but you have to remove the prop shaft seal assembly to remove the nut holding the gear case to the lower unit. If you do that you should probably replace the driveshaft seal, the prop shaft seal, the prop seal bearing housing o-ring, and the propeller nut o-ring as well as the shift linkage seal (which you might have to trim to fit). And, you probably need a new gear case gasket. If you do this work, take notice of the orientation of the propeller shaft seal. I would like to know if the spring collar faces the water side or the grease side. Also, are you sure that is grease seeping out of the drain holes? It might be fuel oil discharged into the exhaust. It foams up and looks like grease. Smell it and if it has a gasoline odor it is probably not gear case oil. You can also change your gear case oil and check for water in the oil. If you have a "milk shake" the seals are leaking; if you don't then the seals are good and grease is probably not leaking out. Another thing to check is grease from the shifter handle shaft. If you add grease through the zirc fitting the excess drains into the lower leg.