Rebuilding My NP231J

[Cameron23]

So I’ve been tearing down my Tcase and it’s all been going fairly smoothly until I get to the snap ring in front of the bearing in l the tail shaft housing.

I know the difference between a snap ring and a lock ring. I’m not referring to the lock ring. After the washer and the lock ring, there is a snap ring. I can’t get my standard internal/external snap ring pliers in there to get the tips in the holes because they’re too thick against the output shaft to get in at the proper angle.

Is there a snap ring pliers that you all recommend to get to this snap ring? I’ve also seen conflicting posts on other forums where some say you don’t need to pull this snap ring to get the tail shaft housing off, and some say you do.

 

[OldBuzzard]

You don't need to remove it. Notice that the bearing is still in the housing.

 

[Cameron23]

You don't need to remove it. Notice that the bearing is still in the housing.

View attachment 706184

Ah well that answers that question (thank you!) but doesn’t solve my issue, then. I’m doing a full rebuild so that bearing needs to come out.

I think I’ll need to pick up a set of 90 degree snap ring pliers but want to make sure I get a set that is long enough to reach in there and open/closed wide enough. Any recommendations?

 

[TJ Jim]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BHQKX8PN?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[Intimnasc]

I would look into some right angle snap ring pliers but not sure if they are long enough to reach that deep.=, that and in the picture posted by Old Buzzard it appears with the shaft out of the way yours may work.

 

[Cameron23]

I would look into some right angle snap ring pliers but not sure if they are long enough to reach that deep.=, that and in the picture posted by Old Buzzard it appears with the shaft out of the way yours may work.

Oh true enough. With that shaft out of the way mine would definitely work. I ordered a set off amazon that look like they might work, as is. They're long nose 90 degree master cylinder internal snap ring pliers.

Also, I gave the snout a few good knocks with a dead blow but that it didn't budge. Definitely not wanting to break the housing, anyone have any tips to free it up from the RTV, besides hit it more with a hammer?

 

[Dan The Video Man]

besides hit it more with a hammer?

Keep hitting it with a dead blow. It'll split.

 

[OldBuzzard]

You can pry under these bosses with something wide to spread the pressure on the case.

 

[Cameron23]

How important is it to mark the rear axle yoke and the u joint for the rear axle shaft to ensure it is installed the way it came out?

Cause, I definitely didn’t do that.

Also I plan to replace the rear driveshaft u joint while I have it out.

 

[macleanflood]

How important is it to mark the rear axle yoke and the u joint for the rear axle shaft to ensure it is installed the way it came out?

Not important.

-Mac

 

[Cameron23]

That's what I want to hear! Thanks, Mac.

 

[macleanflood]

This might help...


View: https://youtu.be/RU0kdZfHPoM?is=n6OQW5B5GNDn0Rnq

-Mac

 

[tnjeepguy]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BXL1BK4Z?tag=wranglerorg-20

I needed these. D