Oil above might be coming from one of two sources. The lower intake could be leaking at the end where it meets the block. There's not a gasket there. RTV sealant is used. The more likely place is that the distributor O-ring is the culprit.
The VSS does just lift out. Well, kinda. There's the hold down tab secured by a bolt with a 10mm head. Those need to be removed. Clean around the VSS well before removing using compressed air if available.
The gear on the bottom of the VSS is just slightly smaller than the hole the VSS sits in, so, be careful as you remove the VSS that you don't snag the gear and drop it into the trans. Usually it's gone when it falls back inside. If you can get both hands hold of it, put the outside edges of your hands against the transmission and use them as leverage as you grasp and rock the VSS. Similar to trying to remove the cork from a bottle so that it doesn't pop out all at once. You might need to bump the perimeter of the VSS with a mallet or tap it using a hammer and a drift to break the seal. Don't strike too hard. Just an easy bump going around and around to break the seal. On the shaft collar are 2 marks. Those are high and low fluid levels. Some VSS's are marked with FULL or LO, others just have 2 grooves around the collar.
If you are wanting to check fluid levels and have a Getrag, look just above the left axle boot to see if there's a dipstick. Makes it very easy. Just unscrew.
