440 rear main seal removal

Ok guys its my first rear main seal removal and its proving to be harder then I thought. The engine is a 440 it is out of truck and on engine stand. Crank is still in and absolutely do not want to remove it if at all possible but I can't get the top seal out(with engine upside down its under the crank bearing). I've tried a self tapper it just pulled out, I tried a punch and it got it started but when I pulled on it with pliers it just shredded and didn't come out all the way I'd say I have about 10-15% of it out is all. Any help or info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.