Gearbox removal without removing transfer box

[GyroLandy]

I have a '94 TDi Defender (Not sure which gearbox thos would have i.e. 380 or 270)

How difficult is it to remove the gearbox without removing the transfer box?

What about replacing it, can one get to all the bolts to torque them appropriately?

I don't want to have to remove the propshafts.

The negine is already out so I have good access to the box.

[bee utey]

I have a '94 TDi Defender (Not sure which gearbox thos would have i.e. 380 or 270)

How difficult is it to remove the gearbox without removing the transfer box?

What about replacing it, can one get to all the bolts to torque them appropriately?

I don't want to have to remove the propshafts.

The engine is already out so I have good access to the box.

Not impossible I'm sure but you will need two guide pins to allow you to run the box forwards without wrecking the oil seals. They should be 10mm bolts 200mm long with the heads cut off. They need to go in two bolt holes to allow you to drag off the box. You can get at all the bolts from underneath to get the transfer case off so it shouldn't be impossible to do it your way unless a drive shaft gets in the way.

[GyroLandy]

Is it worth it or very risky?

[bee utey]

Is it worth it or very risky?

It's all about supporting things properly. If you have a smooth concrete floor and a good trolley jack it seems like it should work. Personally I would take out the whole lot, doing the driveshafts may be tedious but hey, a good excuse to fit new seals, nylock nuts and bolts to the drive flanges, check the handbrake, and check the flange centre nuts as well.

[Blknight.aus]

youll be a lot better off removing the lot... then standing the box on its nose in a tyre and pulling the tcase vertically off of the back.

but yes, it can be done without removing the tcase.

Usually its done the other way around you prop the gearbox and pull the tcase off of the back.