1999 Chevrolet Truck Express 1500 leaking transmission oil

1999 Chevrolet Truck Express 1500 leaking transmission oil

Went under for a better look

1) u shaped shaft from the transmission, Able to squeeze my finger between the U, the center of the shaft
seems to be the leaking red transmission fluid. Seems to be a small indent area in the center of the
U where it is coming from. I thought it was leaking out the shaft bushing but it is dry.

2) Why would there be a hole in the shaft ?

3) The u's seem to be held in by spring clips. Is there a correct procedure to disconnect the u shaft
from each other ?

Thanks
Sixwongs