Transfer case input seal question

[77chevystepside]

After restoring my 77 truck I checked all fluid levels. I found the transfer case (205 or 208-not sure) over full and the transmission (4spd) to be low. Filled transmission and drained transfer case down. Drove it about 20 miles and checked them. Same thing -transfer high and transmission low. Questions are: would it be just the tranfer case input seal only that is bad? Is there a output transmission seal also? Both must be bad to allow 80w to transfer from tranny to transfer case. If I pull the transfer case and replace the input seal, can I get to the transmission seal without pulling the transmission? No special tools should be required for these seals-right?
I may take the lazy route and have it done in a shop. What is this likely to cost? Will call them but just curious.
Another quick question-is there an internal back up light switch in my 4 spd. Wires coming from the top of the transmission so assume that's what they are from. Hate to admit I have never checked to see if the back up lights work. May have to do it some day. There was another wire coming from "down under" I think it is brown or black or just greasy black. Has a moulded female plug that takes a single blade receptor. what is that wire for? Will trace it today but found nothing in the engine compartment to connect it to so not sure it has been hooked up for years. Grease and dirt in the plug. Thanks

[Donut]

Not sure how the standards are set up, but in my th350/205 combo there was a pr (i think) of seals in the adapter from trans to transfer case

[VileZambonie]

Replace your transfer case input seal.
plug in your back up light switch to see if they work.

[77chevystepside]

Thanks, I called a shop today and they want $450 to pull the transfer case and replace the seals. That's nuts. I can pull it out in 1/2 hour or better without a hoist and the fancy jacks they have. I just don't get it. Why do these shops charge so dang much money to do simple jobs? I am just going to check the lube level now and then. Truck won't be driven but 50 miles a month anyway.

[77chevystepside]

Parts stores are saying they only list a 203 case for this truck if it is part time. How does a person identify what it is? 203, 205, 208, etc.

[VileZambonie]

Look at the id tag on the transfercase. Most businesses aren't in business by doing charity work. If you can get your tcase in and out and have the seal replaced in less than 1/2 hour and it all buttoned up you should open your own shop. You could probably do it in 5 minutes with your new fancy equipment! 

[77chevystepside]

Vile, Sorry!! You know I couldn't take it out in 1/2 hour. Probably take me a full day to get it out. No need to bash me even though I deserve it. It was not my intent to disparage the hard working shop owners/mechanics out there. Just had a little sticker shock when told $450 to replace a transer case seal. I have since found three other shops that will do it for around $200 and that seems more reasonable. I had my own business and I know what it costs to operate one. I just did the math and even at 80 an hour that makes it a 5 hour job in a well equipped shop to do this job.

My case is a 205 according to the last shop I visited. He crawled under it and quickly said, "yup, it's a 205".

Again, sorry if I offended anyone. I was just seeking advice and counsel about the project and didn't do it well. Will be more mindful in the future.

[Captkaos]

A 1977 pickup with 4 speed from the factory only came with a NP205, and automatic of any kind only came with a NP203.

[77chevystepside]

Thanks Chris, that is very helpful. I am still pondering what to do with it. No real harm can be done unless I don't keep a careful eye on the lube levels. Not a daily driver so not real worried about the transmission.