Tight seals on a rebuilt Transfer case

[joshthemule]

My TC was leaking pretty bad so I tore it down to replace all the seals and inspect the gears and what not. Now I'm putting it back together and a couple of the seals seam really tight. I just did the front output shaft seal and re-installed the shaft and flange. It was a really tight fit to get the shaft through and now there is a lot of resistance to turn by hand. At least a lot more than when I tore it down. Is this normal? Will the seals loosen up once the fluid is flowing?

 

[Dabba]

when i did my front seal it was a real tight fit, then again its doing its job and not leaking so i dont see a problem

 

[cegusman]

They should be somewhat tight. Did you lube the seal?

 

[joshthemule]

Did you lube the seal?

Hell no. how in the hell would I find an oppertunity to re-do it if I did it right the first time? On a serious note, I guess I thought the TC fluid lubed the seal. What kind of lube do I use?

 

[cegusman]

Just use some grease or Vaseline . Pull the yoke back off and smear a good bit of grease in the opening by the seal and re assemble.