Rockwell T221 Sealed versus Non Sealed Bearings

[AlaskaK10]

Hi All

I am rebuilding my Rockwell T221 transfer case. I have two of these cases. One had an input shaft bearing failure and used shielded bearings on the input shaft like they were from factory from my understanding. The other T case used open bearings and basically seemed good except leaked oil around yokes due to wear grooves. I am tempted to defy the factory sealed or shielded bearings on the input shaft and go with open bearings. The good transfer case had been sealed at some time with rtv and the oil passages were partially or fully blocked with the stuff but bearings were still good. So what is the consensus on the sealed or shielded bearings use in these transfer cases?

[dieseldude4bt]

The shield helps keep a little more oil on the bearing is my understanding of it's use.

[Short 3/4]

Would be curious to see a picture of what you’re talking about. Not familiar with this, but sounds like an interesting question

[AlaskaK10]

Got a sheild on one side open on the other