My 1997 1500 has a leak at the back seal of the transfer case output shaft (drive shaft). How big of a job is that seal to replace?

 

Right at the driveshaft? That cone-shaped piece is held on by 4 bolts. Drop the shaft and replace it. While you're in there, do the transfer saver mod too.

You can replace the seal separately but I found it easier to just buy the whole thing.

Including the saver, if the whole thing takes you an hour, it's because you took a 15 minute coffee break...

 

Part number QU50369


http://quad4x4.com/catalog/category/dodgeNP231Dparts



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Yup, that's the seal. So it's better to buy the $75 cone shaped piece with the seal already installed, than to just buy a $15 seal? I really appreciate the link and response. Thank you.

 

Check and see if the shaft is sloppy in the output housing. There is a bushing in there as well, and if it is too far worn, the new seal won't last very long in any event. The bushing is pressed in..... so, if you have the right weapons for the job, change the bushing and seal, install the t-case saver, and call it a day.

 

^ Right. It comes with a new bushing too. (I knew that I forgot something).

 

Not sure if that was sarcasm but, yeah, for me it was easier.

And, FYI (while your new or old part has fresh, goopy sealant on it) it only goes on one way. The 4 bolt holes are slightly off of square, so that it bolts up with the weep hole on the seal facing down.

 

I just did the seal, I didn't do the t-case saver, but it's a very easy job. Remove the 4 bolts on the driveshaft where it bolts to the rear end. Tap the driveshaft with a hammer if it won't come loose, then slide it out. Once it's out, carefully use a seal puller to pull the seal out. Lube the new seal with ATF and use something the size of the outside metal lip the hammer the new seal in. I used a large socket, but a piece of pvc pipe, or anything like that would work well. Just slowly hammer it in evenly until it's fully seated. Once finished, slide the drive shaft back in and put your 4 bolts back in. (Use Loctite). Now make sure your transfer case is still full of fluid. This is a good time to change the fluid. I prefer to drain it before starting this job and fill it with new fluid when I'm done. All in all, this is probably a 30-40 minute job.

 

This says it fits "select" 231 transfer cases. I do infact have an NP231D transfer case, so will this be the proper kit?

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/New-Gilly-039.../282046978790?

 

Should be fine.