Transfer Yoke Nut Torque Techniques

I’m soon to install my new transfer case front yoke and nut. What is the best way to torque that nut down? My manuals aren’t saying much.

I’m assuming I don’t want the transfer case in gear, as to not apply force on the gears.

Can I just hit it with an impact gun? Do I need to brace the yoke somehow? Looking for best techniques.

Thanks!

 

You can put it in gear with no issues. It's less torque on the gears then the engine makes when the transmission is in 1st.

Other things you can do:

• Use a yoke wrench like Finocj's
  
• I use a 24" Crescent wrench to hold the yoke.
• Some people use a pipe wrench but the teeth can mar the yoke.
• If the cover is off, throw a rag in the gears. This will hold more torque than you can create and will come right out when you're done.

 

Another approach. If you put the transmission in two gears at once (with the top off) it will be locked solid.

 

I just use a 24" pipe wrench opened up to fit the sides of the yoke and let it rotate to stop against the ground and use a big rachet with a socket to turn the nut

 

Thanks guys! All good advice! I appreciate it.