The engine is sideways, so on the drivers side, at the end of the engine, there is a cover plate with about ten easy to get to bolts.
The cover is dented and rusty and is leaking about a few drops a night.
Can l replace it myself (and the gasket)or is there spring behind it and something falls apart if l take the cover off to replace it? l think it might be the cover to the transmission. It is mounted vertically close to the drivers side front tire. Need Advice.

that sounds like the upper pan on the transmission ,no nothing will fall out of it,those was real hard to get to seal off sometimes,when you remove it do not use nothing but a cork gasket on it and it will seal it off,you,ll loose a little fluid from it but you have to remove it and make sure it isnt warped before you re-install it,straiten all the bolt holes out using an old socket on the pan that will make it seal better,good luck,