Installing new front seal silicone the seal?

use a small amount of engine oil on the rubber seal itself, that's it, tap it in straight with a seal tool or a large socket will do.

I've always used a little RTV on my front main seal, rear tranny seal and differential pinion seal.
It can't hurt anything and it acts like a lubricant to make it easier to tap the seals in place.
And in the past when I've installed them dry, I have had them leak.... never had them leak since I started using RTV

I use grease around the metal portion of the seal and oil on the lip where the crank goes. Also not had leaks.

i used assembly lube on the rubber and had to beat the living hell out of it to get it in. tight isnt the right word for this one

Never used anything on mine...just hammer it in with a block of wood.