Transfer Case Shaft Snap Ring Suggestions?

[4BY4ADV]

I'm beating myself up trying to remove the snap ring from the transfer case shaft. The snap ring has angled ends that every set of snap ring pliers I use either slip off of... or the ends slip inward onto a tooth of the gear and I get stuck. Before I start throwing things... anyone have a suggestion?

No holes near the ends for a snap ring plier to bit into...

 

[Lou]

you want lock ring pliers not snap ring pliers.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00061SN0C/?tag=wranglerorg-20

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00061SMZI/?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[someguysjeep]

sears hardware craftsman # 49273 is the marking

 

[Lou]

Here are some cheaper ones although I can't comment on the quality.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009OR974/?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[4BY4ADV]

And I feel like an idiot. Thanks!

Dang. Wish Harbor Freight had a pair. I'm two blocks away.

 

[Lou]

You might be able to find those cheaper Lisle ones locally at an auto parts store. They will likely cost more than amazon sells them for.

 

[4BY4ADV]

Removed the retaining ring. I'm the lucky owner of an earlier NP231(was already thinking that was the case due to the different drain and fill plugs).

Without a press.... anyone have suggestions for removing the needle bearings? I was thinking a socket, C clamp, and a couple blocks of wood, but even my 36mm socket isn't big enough.

Should I be getting this? https://www.harborfreight.com/3-jaw-pilot-bearing-puller-4876.html

 

[hosejockey61]

Not sure what you are trying to do but this might help.

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/how-to-rebuild-your-231j-transfer-case.37697/

 

[4BY4ADV]

No, my issue is that I have an earlier NP231J. There are needle bearings on the drive sprocket that aren't used on the new short shaft. Instructions say to remove the bearings... and all the videos I've seen show people using a hydraulic press.

I've seen people use large sockets to and clamps to remove bearings from other parts, but I'm not sure I'll be able to pull that off.

I hate to spend $150 on a press that I'll likely only use once. But that just might be what I have to do.