Questions about joining transmission and transfer case

[tinytim02]

Hi all,
I recently had my D20 transfer case rebuilt by a local shop. I also have a rebuilt RAT 3-speed I picked up from one of our vendors. I had a few questions about mating the transmission and transfer case, wanted to make sure I had the steps right. Here's what I was going to do:
1. Install shift levers on transmission
2. Move shift levers into position so they can be locked in place with holding tool
3. Remove retainer from back of transmission
4. Mate transfer case/transmission with gasket/RTV between mating surfaces
5. Apply small amount of RTV to bolt threads, install bolts, torque to spec

Does that sound about right? Any tips/tricks?

thanks in advance for any assistance

-Tim

 

[Jdgephar]

Just make sure your adapter housing is the right one for your RAT transmission, unless you know that was was used with a RAT transmission before. Otherwise the steps look good to me.

RAT T-case adaptor is 8 7/8"---RAN T-case adaptor is 9 3/8"---I-6 adaptor is 6 1/2"

 

[DirtDonk]

Sounds good to me too.
And look at that tool! Been along time since I’ve seen one of those. Looks built right and seems like just a ticket.
Absolutely positively do not neglect that step though. If you get the transfer case slid part of the way on, and then decide you have to move the case backwards a little bit, and it tries to pull the transmission output shaft with it, then you better have that tool in place.
If it’s not, you’ll be sending your transmission back to the shop to have it refreshed again!

Good luck. Have fun!

 

[DirtDonk]

Oh, and will you be installing the transmission first and then the transfer case? Or will you be installing them both together outside of the vehicle, then raising the whole assembly up?
Just curious…
Either way though, be ready to turn the output yoke on the transfer case to get the splines of the shafts to line up.
You can do the input side of the transmission to of course, assuming it’s not already on the engine.
Just depends on which one is easier for you.