yay, t-case is out. As some surmised, it was just a matter of the trannys threaded studs hanging up on the adapter. I unbolted the adapter from the t-case and it pretty much slid right off. Whatsmore, my HF trans jack worked perfectly... even on gravel/dirt. 
Now I just need to get the tranny out. I know I need to disconnect the shift linkage, remove cooler lines, disconnect a couple of electrical connectors, TV cable... hmmm.... anything else before I start yanking on it? lol!
j
Now I just need to get the tranny out. I know I need to disconnect the shift linkage, remove cooler lines, disconnect a couple of electrical connectors, TV cable... hmmm.... anything else before I start yanking on it? lol!
j
I think I might put something down when I go to pull the tranny though...

tranny has studs?