I got an Adam's driveshaft kit. The instructions say to remove the transfer case. Is it really necessary to remove the transfer case? just wondering the easiest way to do the job!

 

The easiest way to do the job is to follow the instructions and I would want to work on a bench and not under the jeep .

 

I pull them to do it. It's easy enough to leave it in, but you generally need to drop the tranny crossmember down to get enough access to be comfortable, so you might as well just pull the 6 nuts off and take the whole tcase out at that point. It's a little easier to align all the bits and get a good seal when putting it back together that way too.

It only weighs 65lbs too, so it's pretty easy to grunt it in and out by yourself.

 

Meh, it was not that difficult under the Jeep (lifted, plus I used some 4" blocks under the tires to get it a touch higher). Saved me some time and effort having to drop the t-case and line it back up on my own.

There are like 8 bolts for the t-case housing, Once it is cracked open removing everything is easy. Hardest part was making sure not to smudge the RTV when bolting the case back together

EDIT:
Get a good set of lock ring pliers as well (the flat-nose kind).

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-exter...1&blockType=G1

 

Leaving it in is easy. Getting to the bolts to pull it off the tranny is a *****

 

I vote to take the transfercase off. I think its a lot easier to do the swap on the bench.

 

I've done it both ways. I prefer working on a bench but its not hard under the Jeep.

And I'll second the recommendation on the lock ring pliers. Having the right tool makes a huge difference.

 

I am barely competent with a wrench and I did it leaving it in with crappy snap ring pliers. Don't even attempt this with crappy snap ring pliers. And if I had a bench taking it out would have been easier to consider as an option.. But doing it in the vehicle should not intimidate anyone with decent skills.. What about the speedo? does it snap in or ?? I spliced the new into the old .. and that was not as difficult as I thought it may be either.. either way good luck. invest in good proper tools!!