1997 Dodge Dakota Trans problems

Just bought a 4WD dodge dakota. i was told the transfer case was bad because he hit a stump. i haven't actually crawled under and looked yet, because this is my first 4WD vehicle i've had to service.i wanted to know if i could removed the transfer case until i had some money saved up to fix it. or if it would expose the internals on the trans. i was hoping it would have a seal and only be connected on the outside.the trans is shifting pretty rough also. and i'm hoping that it's just because the transfer case is bad on it. i'm basically asking what i need to look for to decide what i have to replace. and how to replace the transfer case if that is in fact the problem. any help would be greatly appreciated