Basicly snug and give the rachet a little pull just do not snap off the bolts or strip the threads from the case, same as say spark plugs

 

Nice write up. I actually made my own gasket with gasket material from autozone.

 

Did mine today, used the right stuff 5 minute dry gasket in a can will see how it lasts

 

what did you use to seal the cover plate bolts? I'm asking because I didn't use anything on them and now a few of the bolts are leaking a little..

 

ok other then the big bottom plate where else can it be leaking? mine is leaking and it runs onto the bottom plate and drips is there another plate I cannot see?

 

Right stuff will last a nuclear blast! I use it on my thirds. Thad to put a floor jack under it and break the seal with a putty knife to get it out. It sealed super tight!

 

Yeah it is dripping from the cover I reasealed but I can tell it is running there from another location so what else is leaking like on top where I can't see

 

I saw the question asked, but not answered, so I thought I would ask again before trying this this weekend (or maybe even a weeknight this week): Is there some compound I should apply to the bolts holding the plate on, or teflon tape, or just screw them in plain without anything?

 

"Copperslip" seems to be what everyone in the UK uses for Rovers.

 

I finally attempted this the other day with mixed results. I was able to get the fill and drain plugs out fine once I broke them loose but the 10mm bolts on the inspection plate felt like the were welded on. I think what was on the threads was permatex gasket not threadlocker but it felt like it worked the same. The other issue is there was probably only 1/2 a quart of gear oil in the case. Hopefully this will resolve a few of the multitude of drips below the vehicle. I only had permatex black oil max sealant but I'm guessing that will be fine.

On a side note I still haven't filled her up yet since the pump I got(same as OP's photo) fell apart about two pumps into trying to fill the transfer case. Hopefully I'll be able to fill her up and check at least one thing off on the 'does not leak' list because right now it's empty.