Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Is it worth servicing a working trans case?

[Rhondasway]

I've got a little tear-down going and figured this might be a good time to have my transfer case cracked. I don't know what can go wrong with them, and mine works fine except won't shift on the fly after installing front E-locker.

The fluid I drained out was black and fairly icky. It's been in for over a year and a couple years ago when I changed it it was nasty and thick like gear oil.

It's not like I want to spend money when I don't have to, but sure would like to know it's in good shape. It's a light-duty with 200K+ and about 250 1/4 mile passes (at boost). HP in sig...

Also do I take it to a transmission shop, 4x4 shop, or?

Thanks.

 

[Hammer]

Rhonda...

They are fairly simple to work on and most times do not need alot of work. You will want to check the slack in the chain inside to determine if it needs rebuilt and there are kits available(my 4x4 shop had one when we did mine along time ago).



After that rebuild I did not reuse transmission fluid in mine. It got ugly fast and I didn't want to spend the money to have to rebuild again due to using it(I am convinced thats what caused my issues long ago). After we redid the case and all the seals and reinstalled it I had them install Scaheffer Oils 20w gear lube with Moly in it and thats what has been in for the last 100k. I just had it changed and it looked as nice now as it did when we did the work back 100k ago.



Mine was also a DLD in my truck... ... Andy

 

[Rhondasway]

That's great info, Andy. Thanks! I wondered if there was better fluid for it...

 

[LandShark]

The "black and icky" leads me to think it would be good to crack the case. Makes me wonder what fluid was in there originally? I use Mobile 1 ATF my transfer case and change it every 75,000 miles. It comes out looking new. No full boost launches for me, but I do a fair amount of 4x4 with the camper on in snow, on beaches, and in the mountains.

 

[Rhondasway]

I'm thinking about taking this on myself but don't want to get in over my head. It's a good learning opp, I just don't want to mess anything up. Anyone know the best directions/diagrams? I'll need to know about gaskets and seals, etc. I do have the full-on Dodge manual for my truck but haven't even looked in there yet.

Based on what I've read, I'll definitely upgrade fluid.

 

[Extreme1]

The FSM should be enough, that's what I used when I wrecked the fork while 'shifting on the fly'. (never again above 15 mph) Read the book and decide if it's for you. They are pretty simple inside.