Transfer case rebuild

[gw33gp]

I am considering replacing the front output shaft bearings on my transfer case. It seems a little loose and I would like to have it more solid. I thought while I am in there, I would basically do a complete rebuild.
My brother that has a shop in Kansas says he normally splits the transfer case while leaving it in the vehicle. That saves a little work in pulling the transfer case.
The only thing I see with doing that is the input shaft seal could not be replaced without pulling the transfer case. It is not leaking so I am not concerned about that and I could always replace it later if I ever have to replace the clutch or the seal decided to start leaking.
My question is; do you see any potential problems with doing a transfer case rebuild while still in the Ranger?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Lighting, dirt intrusion (falling off bottom of truck) and the general weirdness of trying to work on something lying on your back under the truck.

I would much rather wrestle it around a workbench. :dntnw:

And I gotta pull the one in my F-150 because I am loosing tranny fluid via t-case... thanks to that input shaft seal you mention.

 

[BlackBII]

I would definitely pull the case out. It's only 5 bolts and two drivehsafts. Takes an extra 15 min.

I replaced the rear output shaft bearing on a 1354 because it was wobbling. Turns out the aluminum case was actually the problem; the bearing would move in it's seat. Rockauto.com has repair sleeves for the case if needed like in my case. So check that as well.

 

[gw33gp]

I appreciate the replies but I can get around those problems. I can get it up high enough (safely) to be able to sit up comfortably under the truck to work on the transfer case. I just don't like removing the transfer case. It is cumbersome and heavy. I have an adapter for my floor jack the makes it a transmission lift. With the angle of the transfer case, it does not work very well. Getting it out is not too bad but getting it back in and lined up with the transmission is a big problem.
I also don't have a good bench to work on a transfer case effectively. I like the idea of working on it in the vehicle because it is attached solidly to the vehicle and will not move around while I push and pull on stuff.
I guess I can try it in the truck and if I run into a problem, I can always remove it to complete the job.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I guess I can try it in the truck and if I run into a problem, I can always remove it to complete the job.

This makes sense.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

FWIW RBV t-cases are not really that heavy.

 

[gw33gp]

They are when you are almost 70 years old. I have taken it out a couple times already and really don't want to do it again.