Crankshaft pulley dampener woodruff key missing

My vehicle has a new OEM engine, 10000 miles ago and fully rebuilt transmission It was running fine, no vibrations, no alternator problems, no steering problems, etc. It just need EVAP fix for smog testing in California. They got this done and did it well by taking a 1996 front hose assembly and turning it into a 1995.


My mechanics found a front crankshaft oil seal leak.
They advised replacing the seal and the belt since the oil had leaked on it.
They now say there was no woodruff key when I brought it in and that they cannot get a replacement key installed without $990.00 of labor to remove everything one would remove to change the timing chain. They say part of the access problem is four wheel drive parts.

They say it could be catastrophic failure if the key is not in of power steering, alternator, water pump just going out without symptoms should the pulley start just spinning because the key was not there to prevent failure.

Is it possible that there was no key to start with if the engine did not vibrate, the water temperature gauge never moves in city driving, the alternator and battery were replaced and have been working fine?

Is there a special trick to get a 1995 Ford V6 4wheel drive key installed?

Is it possible that $990.00 of removing parts for better access would make it possible to get the key installed anyways?

Help! My car seemed fine and now I am confused and wondering if I should even consider paying the $990.00 to have a safe car!