Posted by Don in NH [96.61.88.160] on Sunday, January 04, 2015 at 08:43:21 :
An update from a while back - as noted by Chris and Keith, the oil seal on a 1/2t transfer case is accessible and easy to fix. Or as easy as it is to get the seal out. I started by tapping it to use a puller, but ended up beating it with a chisel. When the seal turned into a mangled mess, which was still stuck, I changed course before I damaged things I didn't want to and pulled when whole retainer off. If you do this it is possible to replace the front cup and bearing, if you are of the mind. Also a lot easier to remove the seal from the back with a punch.
As as Keith predicted the flange nut was really loose which resulted in a lot of play to the yolk. There was also some minor play from the shaft adjustment, so I reassembled with a skinny paper gasket/black rtf to remove all the play and then cranked down on the flange.
So my transfer case now holds significantly more gear oil then it did last week. And I was so inspired by the lack of oil drips that I changed the valve cover gaskets too. Just the rear pinion and I should be drip free!
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