Does anyone know if the early fork tool (ratchet top) can be used on late (cow pie) trannies? Looking at pictures of the tools they are so similar I thought there might be a way to utilize the early...

 

no the late tool is off set to fit the bolt / pin re location the cow pie has

using the cover will work if your very careful and the pins don't stick it down - cleaning the pins is the trick to the top cover being used

 

And make sure the bearing that is on the two pins don't fall into the tranny when lifting the top...