{"id":21210,"date":"2026-05-21T11:48:13","date_gmt":"2026-05-21T15:48:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/?p=21210"},"modified":"2026-05-21T11:48:13","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T15:48:13","slug":"updated-transfer-case-input-shaft-seal-installation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/?p=21210","title":{"rendered":"Updated Transfer Case Input Shaft Seal Installation"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Seal installation depth is critical when replacing the transfer case front input shaft seal between the transmission and transfer case on 2020-2026 Silverado 2500HD\/3500HD and Sierra 2500HD\/3500HD trucks equipped with the RPO NQF or NQH transfer case. (Fig. 11)<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21216\" src=\"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/F11-Transfer-case-seal-IMG_0816-R.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"740\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/F11-Transfer-case-seal-IMG_0816-R.png 740w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/F11-Transfer-case-seal-IMG_0816-R-300x195.png 300w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/F11-Transfer-case-seal-IMG_0816-R-85x55.png 85w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/F11-Transfer-case-seal-IMG_0816-R-200x130.png 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 740px) 100vw, 740px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Fig. 11<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The transfer case has a gap around the outer portion of the seal that needs to be centered over a weep hole in the transfer case. The weep hole is drilled in the center of a groove machined into the case. (Fig. 12) The DT-50648-A Seal Installer will not work for these applications.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-21215\" src=\"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/F12-Transfer-case-seal-3-1024x699.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"740\" height=\"505\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/F12-Transfer-case-seal-3-1024x699.png 1024w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/F12-Transfer-case-seal-3-300x205.png 300w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/F12-Transfer-case-seal-3-768x524.png 768w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/F12-Transfer-case-seal-3-81x55.png 81w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/F12-Transfer-case-seal-3-780x532.png 780w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/F12-Transfer-case-seal-3.png 1112w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 740px) 100vw, 740px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Fig. 12<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Two Tools, Two Transfer Case Designs<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>There are two special tools available, depending on transfer case design, for installing the input shaft seal to the correct depth. The seals are installed at different depths on first design and second design cases.<\/p>\n<p>To identify each design, look for a machined groove where the seal is installed (circled as shown). If there is a defined machined groove in the case, it is a first design case. (Fig. 13)<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-21214\" src=\"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/F13-Transfer-case-seal-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"733\" height=\"536\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/F13-Transfer-case-seal-1.png 957w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/F13-Transfer-case-seal-1-300x219.png 300w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/F13-Transfer-case-seal-1-768x562.png 768w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/F13-Transfer-case-seal-1-75x55.png 75w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/F13-Transfer-case-seal-1-780x571.png 780w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 733px) 100vw, 733px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Fig. 13<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>If there is not a defined groove machined into the case, it is a second design case. (Fig. 14)<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-21213\" src=\"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/F14-Transfer-case-seal-2-1024x645.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"740\" height=\"466\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/F14-Transfer-case-seal-2-1024x645.png 1024w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/F14-Transfer-case-seal-2-300x189.png 300w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/F14-Transfer-case-seal-2-768x484.png 768w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/F14-Transfer-case-seal-2-87x55.png 87w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/F14-Transfer-case-seal-2-780x491.png 780w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/F14-Transfer-case-seal-2.png 1134w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 740px) 100vw, 740px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Fig. 14<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>First Design Transfer Case<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>For the first design transfer case used on early 2020 model year vehicles, refer to Transfer Case Assemble (VIN LF263576 and Earlier \u2013 with MGM or MGU) in the Transfer Case \u2013 Off Vehicle repair instructions in the 2020 model year Service Information. Seal installer DT-53017 (GM-53017) should be used for these applications.<\/p>\n<p>The DT-53017 tool is currently available to order and also is available through the Loan Tool Program.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Second Design Transfer Case<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>For the second design transfer case, which was introduced later in the 2020 model year and used on 2020\u2013current model year vehicles, follow either the Transfer Case Assemble (VIN LF263577 and Later \u2013 with MGM or MGU) in the Transfer Case \u2013 Off-Vehicle repair instructions in the 2020 model year Service Information or the year of the vehicle being repaired. The DT-53018 (GM-53018) Seal Installer should be used for these applications. (Fig. 15)<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-21212\" src=\"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/F15-Transfer-case-seal-IMG_0817.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"648\" height=\"486\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/F15-Transfer-case-seal-IMG_0817.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/F15-Transfer-case-seal-IMG_0817-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/F15-Transfer-case-seal-IMG_0817-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/F15-Transfer-case-seal-IMG_0817-73x55.jpg 73w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/F15-Transfer-case-seal-IMG_0817-123x92.jpg 123w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/F15-Transfer-case-seal-IMG_0817-100x75.jpg 100w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/F15-Transfer-case-seal-IMG_0817-780x585.jpg 780w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 648px) 100vw, 648px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Fig. 15<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n<p>The DT-53018 tool is an Essential tool and will be identified as GM-53018. It will begin being shipped to all dealerships that have not already purchased the tool.<\/p>\n<p>To install a new transfer case input shaft seal\u2009(Fig. 16, #3), use the J-8092 Driver Handle\u2009(Fig. 16, #2) and DT-53018 Transfer Case Front Input Shaft Seal Installer\u2009(Fig. 16, #1).<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-21211\" src=\"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/F16-Transfer-case-seal-4-R-1024x747.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"740\" height=\"540\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/F16-Transfer-case-seal-4-R-1024x747.png 1024w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/F16-Transfer-case-seal-4-R-300x219.png 300w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/F16-Transfer-case-seal-4-R-768x561.png 768w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/F16-Transfer-case-seal-4-R-75x55.png 75w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/F16-Transfer-case-seal-4-R-780x569.png 780w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/F16-Transfer-case-seal-4-R-1160x847.png 1160w, https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/F16-Transfer-case-seal-4-R.png 1177w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 740px) 100vw, 740px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Fig. 16<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>TIP:<\/strong> Using the incorrect tool will create a repeat leak as the seal may not be at the correct depth or may not be installed straight.<\/p>\n<p>The tools can be ordered through the GM Special Tools and Equipment website at gmglobaltools.com.<\/p>\n<p>For more information, refer to #PIP5810C.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><em>&#8211; Thanks to Steve Underwood<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Seal installation depth is critical when replacing the transfer case front input shaft seal between the transmission and transfer case on 2020-2026 Silverado 2500HD\/3500HD and Sierra 2500HD\/3500HD trucks equipped with [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[233],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21210","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-2026-may-a"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21210","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=21210"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21210\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21217,"href":"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21210\/revisions\/21217"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=21210"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=21210"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gm-techlink.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=21210"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}