Crawled under the truck while doing some maintenance this weekend and noticed that the dust cover at the transfer case output is cracked. Looks like it just got a little old and dry. Is this an issue? Looks like it would be rather difficult to replace due to the vibration dampner and yoke. Should I just goop some rtv on it to help keep it somewhat sealed, or let it continue to degrade? Can it be replaced? Any info would be helpful. Thanks!

 

If it is leaking, Id dab some RTV on it, but indefinably plan on replacing the seal. I bought one for a smaller 241 t-case a while back, it was around $25 for that thing, it might be a little more since the 271/273 is a bigger seal, but definitely replace it if you have the time.

 

It's not the rear seal on the transfer case it is the dust cover for the rear seal where the yoke goes to the driveshaft. If it was leaking I would have to replace the rear seal, but I'm not sure how vital this dust cover/seal is? Thanks for the reply!!