Ryan,
Are the four bolts that hold the companion flange the original bolts or new bolts? If new, are the hex heads taller than original?
I believe they are original. At the very least, they are what has been there since I've owned the Jeep and they have been working fine until this output seal fiasco. That's what makes me wonder if the new seal/yoke still have issues.
To help eliminate problems and possibly save me some time, two more questions:
1. Can the yoke etc be installed without the e-brake drum? I would like to try that.
2. How critical is the cap on the yoke that holds the felt seal? My old yoke is fine except for that cap. I may try and reinstall it, minus the cap. I know the felt supposedly keeps dust and debris from entering. Am I just asking for huge problems by running without it?