i'm about to drop my 2L and freshen it up. 77 bay.

Q: is there any difference between manual and auto for engine extraction with respect to lowering the box ??

Q: to replace the auto seal, does the torque converter just slide out ??

thanks,
Dunc.

I assume you are leaving the transmission in, in that case not really any different but you must make sure the convertor is wired or tied back onto transmission after unbolting it from drive plate, otherwise it will drop off when you pull the motor & you will have oil every where, this answers your second question

A old vw man told me to fit two seals ,I have done this and never had oil run out from that day, make sure you wire the converter in the housing when you remove the donk .