Patent ID: 7673539

Claim:
A transfer case arrangement having a seal comprising: a transfer case housing; a shaft having a first end inside of said transfer case housing and a second end positioned outside of said transfer case housing; a retaining ring circumscribing said shaft inside of said transfer case housing, wherein said retaining ring is positioned to secure said shaft and prevent axial movement of the shaft; an aperture formed through a wall of said housing positioned axially adjacent to said first end of said shaft located inside of said transfer case housing, wherein said aperture provides access to said retaining ring connected to said shaft located inside of said transfer case housing; a plug member configured to sealingly close off said aperture; a sprocket splined to said shaft located inside of said transfer case housing; an annular shoulder of said transfer case housing formed inside of said transfer case housing, said annular shoulder positioned adjacent said sprocket and configured to contact and prevent said sprocket from moving in said transfer case housing when said shaft is disconnected from said sprocket; and said seal extends between said housing and engages and circumscribes said shaft, wherein when said sprocket is disconnected from said shaft said shaft slides out of engagement with said seal allowing said seal to be serviced.