Worn seals on a dryer don't cause heat inside to leak out, it allows cold air to be pulled in bypassing the heating element or gas burner. Any appreciable warmth on the top surface is just being radiated from the heated drum inside.

Frontloaders, especially the mega-capacity models, are usually deeper than toploaders so you'd need to confirm the depth requirement including plumbing of the machines you'd be considering.

flynnnj, with that depth of the closet your choices of front loaders will be limited to the models with smaller/more streamlined outside. I have a similar closet (actual depth with door closed is 34.5") and most of the large capacity FL washers would not fit. I had a pair of Whirlpool Duet Sports in that closet previously (smaller version of Whirlpool Duet) and last year I upgraded to LG WM2301. The Duet Sport pair fit fine and the LG fits as well but it's truly a tight fit with the LG. My suggestion would be to look at specifications for any washer you may be interested in and also go to the appliance store and measure the actual depth of the washer (remember to take into account the plumbing space needed in the back). You also should look for models that are more flat in the front and do not have a protruding door. Some of these new washers look like they have a pregnant belly ;-) - you will need to steer clear of those as they require a lot of depth.