1998-2007 Duramax Transfer Case Front Output Seal (411081A)

Fits

This is the Front Output Seal for a GM NP246, NP261HD, NP263HD, NP261XHD or NP263XHD transfer case located on 2001 to 2007 GM Duramax vehicles as well as some 1998 to 2007 GM 1500 trucks and SUVs. The seal is found where the front driveshaft goes into the front side of the transfer case.

Looking to replace your Front Output Seal? While you're at it, why not check for the notorious "pump rub" issue and upgrade to the Merchant Automotive Transfer Case Pump Upgrade for a long and healthy transfer case life?

Part Number: 411081A

• Direct Fit
• Front Output Seal

Parts Only

• 1-Year Limited Warranty
• With installation of this kit, you will have a LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY against pump rub. If your case ever wears a hole in the new rear housing with the upgrade installed. We will buy you a new transfer case. However, if you already have a hole in your case, we recommend installing a new rear housing for a complete repair. The MA Lifetime Warranty will only apply to installations with a new rear housing.

What is a Transfer Case “Pump Rub” Failure?

GM transfer cases used from 1998 through early 2007 use a gear pump inside the case that is driven off the mainshaft. The pump forces oil to the planetary as well as the drive sprocket sleeve. Because the pump is driven by the shaft, the housing of the pump must "float" in the rear housing. There are tabs around the pump housing that fit into spots in the rear housing to locate the pump housing and prevent it from spinning inside the case with the mainshaft. Over time, the pump tabs can start to wear on the rear housing. GM installed a spring steel clip in the housing intended to prevent wear, but the clip can break and be rendered useless.

Since the pump housing is aluminum and is a harder material then the magnesium rear housing, it can wear a hole in the rear housing and cause a very small leak. This leak is frequently high enough on the case that it typically will not leak when vehicle is not moving and therefore not leaving any drops on the ground; it will however leak while the vehicle is in motion. Unfortunately, since the transfer case does not have a low fluid indicator the pump rub failure is often not found until there is transfer case damage from running the case out of fluid.

Avoid costly repairs to your transfer case by preventing “Pump Rub” by installing a Merchant Automotive Transfer Case Pump Upgrade kit in your transfer case today, before it happens to your vehicle.

Does the transfer case need to be removed to change the front output seal?

No, it does not. The front output seal can be replaced without removing the transfer case from the vehicle, by removing the front drive shaft. Be sure to drain the transfer case first as some fluid will leak once the seal is removed making a big mess. Some people feel that it can be easier to remove the transfer case from the vehicle and replace the seals on a workbench though. 

Can my original transfer case gasket be reused if it is not ripped?

It's recommended to replace the transfer case gasket any time the transfer case is removed from the transmission output adapter. It is cheap insurance against leaks that not only make a mess but could also damage your transmission! 

Are the perforation marks on the transfer case gasket normal?

Yes, the perforation marks are part of the gasket production process. 

How tight do I tighten the transfer case mounting nuts for the NP261XHD and NP263XHD at the transmission output adapter?

The factory recommended torque specification is 37 ft-lbs for the transfer case adapter nuts for both the NP261XHD and NP263XHD. 

What fluid should I use in the transfer case and how much is needed?

It's recommended to use MA Performance Transfer Case Fluid for use in ALL transfer cases and have seen improved performance over the factory recommended ATF or other alternate oil recommendations. Two quarts are required to fill the NP261HD, NP263HD, NP261XHD and NP263XHD transfer cases. 

I hear a grinding noise at low speed after reassembling the transfer case. What could that be?

A low speed grinding noise is most commonly caused by the rear output bearing snap ring not being fully seated causing the bearing to move out of proper alignment. Verify that the snap ring is fully engaged and properly seated in the rear housing and the locating groove in the bearing. 

What would cause a speed sensor correlation code after reassembling the transfer case?

 A speed sensor correlation code is often accompanied by a low speed grinding noise and is frequently caused by the rear output bearing snap ring not being fully seated causing the bearing to move out of proper alignment. Verify that the snap ring it fully engaged and properly seated in the rear housing and the locating groove in the bearing.

How tight do I tighten the transfer case assembly bolts for the NP261XHD and NP263XHD securing the case halves together?

The factory recommended torque specification is 27 ft-lbs for the transfer case assembly bolts for both the NP261XHD and NP263XHD.