have i royally messed up the trans on this E350?
 

I took out the trans filter from a 2005 E350. Wrong filter was in there, according to Autozone computers -- dicks -- and maybe even no reason for changing it, other than the mileage and no service records. I guess I was too bold.

This is maybe the 4R75W -- 14 bolts, with the goofy dip in the bottom.

So the old filter came out but left the orange seal up in there, stuck. New filter, the allegedly correct one, wouldn't go, comes with an orange seal and you can't just remove it without damage to the new part. The new filter would not go in. Provoked it with a rubber mallet, no go.

I poked at the old seal, maybe too much, and the orange rubber part fell apart. Scraped it a bit. Tried the screwdriver and hammer bit, but can't find anything to get in there and grab the inside edges. Now the old filter won't even fit. I've taken all the rubber off the old seal, i guess.

So the next LAPS down the road has somewhat knowledgable staff, but no relevant parts or tools.

Back to Autozone, which has, well, humans on staff. maybe. they sell me a new seal, but the only tool they have to remove the old seal is a goofy pry-bar thing that would never fit, so i didn't try. I was looking for a pliers-ish tool that would grab the insides of the seal. I just can't get the damned thing out.

Obviously I am lost, but gone for good? Should I order a special tool? I know this is probably a monthly thread for ya'll, but I'm really losing it by now, sorry.

All is not lost !!!!
First you need to get the info from the door sticker to determine which trans is in your vehicle.
Once you have the correct info there, now you can go to get he correct filter kit for that trans.
When you have the old filter seal removed you should see a clean shinny aluminum hole (bore) where the replacement seal fits.
Some filter kits place the seal on the filter to keep it from getting lost.
When you have the correct filter and seal , just place a little vasoline on the seal and install it in the trans housing.
Install the filter into the seal. It is a tight fit , but when lubricated will go in place with a little help.
If you were given the wrong parts and you're not sure it can really screw up things.
Last but not least there are some videos on u tube that should show and explain the process for you.
It's not a big deal , just keep a cool head and you'll get t done.

If the old orrange seal is still stuck up in there, just use a screwdriver against the valve body (what it goes into) and pry it out. I personally didn't use any lube to put the new one in, as I liked it to stay in place.
The filter (this is most likely a 4r7x series trans) it kinda pentagonal in shape, and should stay up in there when installed.
There shouldn't be any damage if you didn't run it too long. And remember to set the final fluid level when it's HOT!

Got the seal out using a slightly larger screwdriver. But now the new filter, the correct one according to Autozone, just won't go in, even without the new seal, which i'm still not clear is necessary, because the new filter already has an orange seal. here's a photo of the new filter in as far as it will go.

In the second pic that's the new filter on the left, Model# TF325, the old filter on the right is the TF403.

edit: the owner's manual states the correct filter is Motorcraft FT145, or Autozone TF95. This does appear to be shaped like the old filter. Heading down to pick one up now.

I don't know what is correct, but there seems to be some confusion.
Supposedly an Autozone TF325 is for a 4R100 trans.
A TF403 is supposed to be for a 4R70W.
The next best thing to do is find that trans code on the driver's door sticker and find which trans you have in the vehicle.
What is that trans code?

The trans code is F. I still haven't found a diagram to decode it. Just got back from the store. The Motorcraft FT145 is definitely not correct, as it's a screw-on filter. So I picked up the TF403, same as the old one, which Autozone computers say is for a 20-bolt. However, it comes with a 14-hole gasket, although the old gasket is reusable anyways. It would seem the computers are wrong, because this does appear to be a 4R70W. Going to try this one on now.

The way I understood it was,
A code R was a 4R75W
A code F was a 4R70W
If you have the filter for a 4R70W , you should be OK.

the TF403 popped right in there and everything's up and running. Thanks everybody!