NP271 Tcase - Splitting the halves - pointers?

[Rogan]

Anyone have any pointers or tool suggestions for splitting the NVG 271D/F tcase housing?  I am about to tackle one this weekend.  I've done about 4 or 5, but I always struggle with getting the halves to split.  Is there a tool or something I can make that will go between the lugs on the halves, to spread the pieces apart?  I've always used a hammer, punch, wood, whatever I can get my hands on to beat them apart..  I'd like maybe a simpler solution.

 

Thanks.

[Me78569]

I like to use a plastic putty knife so I don't damage anything.  

 

I dont know that there is an "easy" way.

[Rogan]

We'll see how hard it is to get back apart.  Wasn't but a couple of years ago, I tore in to this thing, last time, when I converted it from electric to manual select...
I think the chain has stretched..  It pops a lot under 4WD load..  sounds like maybe the gears are hopping in the chain..  Yes, I put new gears and chain in it last time..  FML.  Must be all that HP/TQ  lol

[Mopar1973Man]

Just make sure you use a soft object to split the case plastic putty knife is good. Small plastic or rubber hammer works good to get it started. 

[Rogan]

Yeah, I generally use my 28oz deadblow hammer.  Sometimes (often) it won't separate the halves, though. 
My buddy made a tool that would spread tongs apart (kinda like a scissor-jack or snap-ring pliers) to fit between the lugs on the tcase, but he can't find it now..  it worked like a boss!