Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Transfer case noise - Mitsubishi spring fix

[T-Bone]

Ok, I've got the spring (Mitsubishi exhaust flange bolt spring, part number 4301631, $6. 76 from DC). I'm pretty sure it will kill my noise. Just holding the shifter to the right a smidge will stop the noise. I'm just not sure where the new spring goes. Attached is an image looking up at the shift linkage from below the driver's side just over top of the driveline. From what I have read, I am supposed to slip the new spring over the existing spring. Does the new spring actually go between the tab and the bracket in the picture being held by the bolt? The ends of the existing spring protrude enough where it would seem the new spring would stay put. But, it will be a tight fit to compress the new spring and get it in there. Any ideas? Any pictures of the spring installed?

I gotta kill this noise. I'm running up to visit Piers in BC (from Colorado) on Sunday for some goodies and this noise on the long trip is not too welcome!

Thanks,

T-Bone

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[SMorneau]

It looks like you are going to oppose the original torsion spring with the compression spring. Let me know how it works. I know it doesn't take much to stop the noise.



My shifter has driven me nuts off and on until I finally bent the hell out of the outside tab that the stock torsion spring mates to. You show it very clearly in your picture and it has not been bent yet. It is the tab close to you in the picture. Put a bar accross the bolt head and under the tab and bend.



It has worked for me. Once I thought it was back but it was some change in the boot.

 

[T-Bone]

SMorneau,



Thanks for the info on the bending fix. It's great to get first hand experiences. I found a TSB on the noise that describes the bending fix. I guess I'm just chicken when it comes to bending things (too scared I'll break something). However, I may give is a shot if this spring thing does not work out.



T-Bone

 

[Piersol]

nice picture

T bone, that spring goes just where you are going to put it in your fine picture. I put my spring in a vice and zip tied it with 4 ties compressed. Then I placed the spring in the space made by bending that tab(it has to bend pretty far). Then one by one take a cutter and cut the zip ties. I also zip tied the spring to something above(i don't remember what) just in case it fell out it would still be hanging and I wouldn't lose it.

 

[SMorneau]

If you ever decide to "load" a spring (like by putting it in a vise) wear safety glasses and be prepared. I would not want to have my teeth busted out if the tie wraps start popping.



The bending fix does work. I had to get good and mad at the noise before I bent it far enough.