Transfer case blues

[Prokopchuk_9]

So upon changing rear output seal, I was giving everything a little shake under their to check u joints. I found that the front output bearing has a considerable amount of play in it. Fluid level was up before I changed seal as well, it wasn't a bad leak. Fluid still red and sweet. I know it's the front output bearing not the u-joints.

 

So my question is this...you have to split the case to change the bearing right? Or can you get at it behind the seal??? If so I wonder how many hours labour this job is?

 

Any comments would be great! Thanks!