replacing t-case output seal

my front output seal on transfercase d-18 is leaking bad. i'm interested in any tricks to get to the seal and felt also any specialty tools needed.

 

i cannot get the metal casing of the old seal out

 

thanks i'll try that, but the seal is pushed in about a 1/4 in, normal?

 

ok this is what i am working on...

 

A pro would probably use a slide hammer
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=5469

Possibly you could drill a hole (or holes) in the seal, drive in a sheet metal screw, and pry on the screw.

 

knock a hole thru it with a hammer/punch
use that hole to pry it out

 

I've used a stout screwdriver to pry one like that out before,stick it in sideways just barely put the end under the seal lip then pry or smack it with a dead blow hammer. check the sealing surface of the yoke also, maybe the previous owner set the seal that deep to have the seal ride on a non damaged area of the yoke surface.

 

THANKS!
i got the seal out how far is the minimum for the new seal i have it on setting about 1/8 out is that fine? its holding fluid... for now
also a previous mod i did was put a 1/2 inch elbow on the filler then cut a hole in the floor and a 3" pipe and a union so it can be filled topside

 

Was it difficult to get the drive shaft knuckle off the spine?

 

I always fill the transfer case until it dribbles out that filler hole.

How do you know when the transfer case is full with your mod?

 

Completed the front driveshaft seal. Tough time getting it out. After trying to pry it out, I screwed 4" deck screws into the seal and used a crow bar to pull out the seals. I drove the deck screws into the seal with a battery powered impact. This is certainly the easy way to get out a tight seal.
To install I tapped the seal until flush with a hammer then used 3" Schedule 60 PVC pipe and a sledge hammer to drive it the rest of the way in.