I did not have to separate the transfer case from the trans. I did have to drop the front drive shaft, disconnect the hoses from the radiator/AC/power steering/condenser, I also had to disconnect the battery harness and few other plugs connecting the engine harness to the harness in the engine bay. The throttle cables need to be disconnected and I also disconnected the exhaust where the exhaust manifold bolts to the read of the exhaust.