Good Morning,
I am replacing my front engine oil seals all three.
I have had a small oil leak and wanted to take on this task.

I replaced the Crankshaft seal, the old seal was flush with
the outer surface and so I installed the new one flush also.

Now I moved onto the Intermediate Shaft, the old seal was
not flush with the outer surface, it was actually about 1/4
inch below the outer surface. I have the new one installed
flush with the outer surface. I did not notice any scratches
on the area where the seal sits. I don't know why it would have
been set so deep? I want to know, since this is my first run
at the seals job, what would you do? Leave it flush or push
it back 1/4 inch deep?

Thanks for your advice,
Joseph in New Mexico