Transfer Case Help

Hello, new to the forum! I have a 1994 3.0 5spd 4x4 with 230k miles. I noticed I was leaking oil where the rear driveshaft mates with the transfer case, so I dropped the driveshaft with the intention of replacing the oil seals. After pulling the output shaft oil seal I discovered this metal “coil” loosely hanging around the transfer case output shaft. I have the FSM and I’m not finding anything on this. Anyone here encounter this before? Thanks!

 

That's the spring from the seal you removed. Throw it way. Put some grease around the new seal's spring to prevent that from happening when you install it.

 

welcome

 

Thanks CygnusX-4, case closed. You are correct that the spring was part of the seal, with the replacement seal still in the packaging I didn’t notice the spring recessed into the side of the inner structure. I guess I need my vision checked.