Warm air flow coming from around the transfer case stick

[patarch1]

Hi,
I am slowly discovering the issues with my 97 ranger 4wd, brakes have been changed, clutch, 5 speed tranny rebuilt.
All is well except that when I drive there is warm air coming from the driver side of the transfer case. I put the AC on yesterday and I could feel a significant temperature difference between the floor area and the steering wheel area.
My questions are:
Is it normal?
If not, how do I start diagnosing the issue?
I forgot to mention, it is a manual hub truck.
Thanks in advance for your help.
patarch1

 

[AMMO_HOOAH]

I wouldn't think it should be that drastic in a truck that came stock with a manual t-case, but I have warm air that comes in from hole for the shifter because I never bothered to make some sort of cover for it.

 

[patarch1]

Thanks,
I have been in so deep lately with transmission rebuild that I might be over concerned.
I guess I need to understand how the Transfer case works as a first step.

 

[AMMO_HOOAH]

Well basically as far as the shifter goes there's just a hole in the floor board, but stock trucks normally have a ring with a rubberboot in it to keep the air in/out. In mine without that boot the hot air off of the engine and tranny come right in.