Before removing the nut on the rear diff, see if you have any wobble of the shaft, indicating loose bearings. The nut (in combination with the bearings, cones and shims) is what holds all that together. If it is good, then installing the nut to the same position will be OK. Impacts are not the correct way to install that nut, but most do it that way. Correct torque on a Dana 44 is about 170 pounds. There is no crush sleeve on this model of diff, so it is pretty simple. You may well need a flange holding tool to get that correct torque.
Also, keep in mind that oil can also leak from under the nut washer. When re-installing, a shot of RTV under the washer will help seal the area.
Seems to me you can remove the transfer case seal straight out the back of the bore. There are various seal pullers you can use for this, pry bars will also work. You can also drill a couple small holes in the face of the seals, install some screws into the holes, then pry the screws.
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