Searched and cant find definitive answer. ...thanks for your help guys.

03 Quad 4X4. I want to remove the front driveshaft for testing purposes.
Unbolts at the front differential. Is it a snap ring collar at the transfer case....a quick pull and it will come off transfer case output shaft?
Can I drive or will I have a transfer case fluid leak?

 

Cut the snap ring. Will pull right out. not 100% sure about the driving with shaft removed. I think it may leak.

 

It will not leak.

 

Thanks guys. So in my research it appears the front output shaft of the transfer case protrudes from the case and is splined. There is a seal around this shaft at the transfer case. The front drive shaft connects to the output shaft inside the rubber boot. If I cut the rubber boot retaining ring clamp, the drive shaft will slip off the spline. Correct?

 

Correct. Assuming you unbolted the front. Just an FYI. On my truck it's really tight with the y pipe. So you may have to **** with it to get it out.

 

I ran mine with it out for a bit when I put on my headers, I didn't have to cut anything. Just unbolted the front and slipped it out. No leaks. I was wondering about the mpg/acceleration effect, with it out you don't have the rotational weight of the driveshaft or the chain and gears in the transfer case. You still have to turn all the front diff parts though.