Attachment 183089 Well, had a bit of trouble getting one of the 2 bolts out that come into the transfer case from the transmission side. 
 The custom modified one came (after a ginormous struggle with long bar) out of this position near the cdl switches. I am assuming, with no knowledge of the internals, that the bolt is too long for that position and was screwed in somehow missing the internal rotating mechanism but was modified on the first test drive, bending the end out the way with a nice wack and no one noticed the noise or ignored it.
Fortunately there is not as much damage as I thought and looks like I can do a helicoil repair. Just another little gift from one of the previous owners to keep me guessing what next.
 I am not aware that sealant needs to be applied around the input seal.
 The bolt on the end of the trans output shaft is loose, can undo slightly more with fingers then it jams, can't find anything on it with a brief google search, but I was tired and deflated yesterday so will sort it later unless someone chimes in with advice.
 I up ended the trans on its face to get bolts undone and lifted off with engine crane, I intend to drill and insert helicoil in from this position to minimise swarf going into the transfer case. I don't want it turning into a bigger job so wont be pulling the case apart, just repair thread, replace the input seal and output seal of trans and back together with the larger torque converter.
While it has been apart I took the opportunity to replace the rear main seal and check the oil pump drive bolt, which has been replaced by someone with a 13mm head (I keep reading they are 10mm flanged head) and definately tight.
Mine is a 99 year but apparently the transfer case going by the 2 cdl switches is a 03/04 unit ? I do have a receipt for a replacement case in the vehicle documentation.
Anyway todays afternoon shift will be fixing that thread, hopefully without having to remove the drive housing for tool clearance.
I was contemplating drilling and re tapping to a larger size but only if the worn hole is too big for the helicoil to seat firmly.