1999 Chevy Silverado Front Crank Seal Leaking

I have a '99 Silverado with the 4.3L V-6. The engine recently developed an oil leak. The oil is leaking from the front crank seal. The timing cover and oil pan are not leaking, so I'm trying to avoid messing with them. This engine is equipped with a composite timing cover.

Can the crank seal be removed by picking it out carefully from the front if I pull the pulley and balancer off? I'm nervous about this plastic timing cover and damaging it. I've read horror stories about having to pull it off and then the oil pan as well to reseal everything - the oil pan looks like a nightmare because of the close proximity of cross members.

Thanks,
TY