I left the top center bolt out of the t-case when I rebuilt my 5 speed.  I did this, so that I could install lower gears at a later date. 

How long should it take to drop the t-case with good tools?  Are there any special considerations that I need to be prepared for? 

I have a the lower gears already installed in a new t-case and setup for twin sticks.  I read something recently that stated that the twin sticks were difficult to deal with and they preferred a single stick with the H pattern.  Does the H pattern use the same internal setup for using single or twin sticks to get 2 low?

haha- took the lazy way out with that top bolt, eh?
i figured it was just one more of those hard ones, and put it back in......the body lift helped also.
you should figure a good wrenching day to r&r a transfer case, and some beer.
i like the twin stick, and it sounds like you are set up that way already.
ignore that h stuff.

I switch out the 4.24 and stock ratio T-cases quite often depending on the mission.
Takes 3-4 hours with practice and some shortcuts.
As already mentioned, leave out the top bolt and also the bolt that holds the shift tower to the T-case.
I forgot this bolt once and broke the shift tower which require JB weld to keep the oil in and the dirt out.
So much for 3-4 hours on that exchange.
I found PVC pipe caps that fit the T-case seal so as soon as I pull the front drive shaft I quickly place the cap so I do not need to drain the oil and lose very little in the process.
Place a jack under the transmission so after you remove the cross member you can slightly lower the trans/ T-case to make it easier to get to the t-case bolts.
I use a 2 foot extension and a wiggly socket to get to the upper T-case bolts.
Just talking about this makes me wish for a simple dual t-case set up.

Thanks for the info.  I will check on the shift housing bolt and look for the pic caps.  I just changed the gear oil to synthetic, so it will be nice not to lose it all.

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