they make a socket that swivels with a allen or torx bit, I have a 3' and a 4' 3/8 drive extension for trans work. It reaches up to the bell bolts and you work the ratchet at the tailseal area or xfer case.

yes. some rtv for xfer/trans adaptor. gonna have to get high to use that trans jack under the truck.

mine always had a 6" lift with 17/40/15 I would undo the 7 bolts and kick the xfer off with my feet and let it drop to the ground. (I have a open dirt floor shop) then R&R the trans like a normal truck.

when I install the xfer, I would stand it up on a floor jack then lift it to get it on the splinesand let it hang but supported by jack, then swing it up to get the bolts in.

I agree, clean before R&R makes it go back together with less dirt in the eyes.

did you get the auto shift linkage and torque shaft/TPV linkage?