Should a new transmission seal be put in as part of a front left axle replacement on a '94 Geo Prizm?

It's not as simple as should it be done. Visual inspection is all you have to go by, and it's not always possible to tell if a seal may be faulty. Seeing as your car is 12 years old, most mechanics would urge you to replace the transaxle seal any time the half shafts or CV joints need work after about 50,000 miles, but it is an inconvenient and sometimes costly job to seat a new seal in many transaxles, and not a job you may wish done unless actually needed. It may have been O.K., and no indication it actually should be done, but simply failed when it did, without the repair causing it. It IS 12 years old, but it in it's self doesn't mean you were being ripped off, more like not being explained your options in this case.

that seal should have been inspected when it was pulled apart. the seal being replaced, isnt usually done when changing the axle unless need be.... but obviously "it need be", they might have messed it up putting the new axle in. Let me know if you have any other questions or need anything else. wayne - logixautoparts.com wgarrison@logixautoparts.com

it is very normal. i would worry if that did not happen. there is a differential in the final drive section of the transmission. that gear box allows one wheel to turn faster or slower than the other as needed. this is mostly on turns. you do not have a problem at all.

yes it should have been part of the original job. i always repace seals if i remove the part that it seals

I bet they forgot to put the seal back in, or they did it wrong.