Ok so here is my theory:
The front seal is destined to fail in all of these units because of the white plastic cone in the pics. It slides over the splined input shaft and spreads the rubber seal much in the same way the converter hub does when inserted. Sitting on a shelf for twelve years in that manner has deformed the front seal. I had not even got seven quarts of fluid in it before it started puking in the drive. It ended up taking a total of twelve quarts to fill the tranny with new cooler lines installed. I have done these before and Im sure I did not damage the seal installing the torque converter. Rear seal failure can be corrected without having to remove the tranny so no big deal there.
The red ring is the front seal that failed me. If you cant do the work donnt be affraid to contact a local trans. shop to do it for you. Would be easy now before it goes in.
Its working great and it is plug and play on intended applications.
As always, enjoy the pics.