I have a question regarding the spindles on the transmission and transfer box.

I re-installed my transfer box completely on my 03 HSE7 Disco and without the driveshafts connected, the spindles on the transferbox still turn freely. This is with the transmission in park. Is this normal?? seems to me they would not turn since the transmission is in park. What am i missing?

 

Is the TC in neutral? Sounds like it is.

 

When I turn either of the spindles on the transfer box, the other spindle turns. That would mean its not in neutral right? I also looked in the vehicle and it is in High.

 

Even if the trans is in park, they will turn, it's an open differential, so 2 of the three need to turn. Same principle as lifting one axle with the truck in park, you can turn one wheel, and the other will rotate backwards. In order for them both to turn in the same direction, you need the third, trans output in this case, to turn as well.
If you turn one, and the other does not turn, the case is in neutral.

 

Thanks for the response. Just to make sure, I have both of the spindles on the TC turning (different directions) and it is completely attached to the transmission (which is in park) this is normal.

 

Yes, that is normal operation of any open differential.