While driving to my parents house this last weekend the truck started making a very loud sound in rhythm with the drive train. When i slowed to a stop the noise was confirmed to be linked to the drive train. While i was home i jacked up each of the front wheels one by one and sure enough as i turned the wheel by hand i heard the sound. but i couldnt tell from exactly where in the fro?t it was coming from. I only heard it when turning the front two wheels. the differential is full of fluid and doesnt leak. To further test this i took it on the gravel road and put it in 4 high while moving slow and the front end started popping realy bad so i took it out. but i tested two more times and the front end is definitely binding up some place. anyone have any ideas whats the problem maybe?

 

Sounds like it is you front diff. The ring and pinon or spider gears. Remove the diff cover and see what you find.

 

what kind of job is it to replace them, and how much? Also whats a good brand to go with?

 

It depends what it is. Just the spider gears, $100 easy job. Ring and pinion $300 and it is more larbor intensive. But these 2 gears need to be adjusted properly. A shop can do it. Maybe $600- $700 for a shop to do it. I would recommend http://www.ringpinion.com/ or http://www.drivetrain.com/ or http://www.differentials.com/ Good prices and quailty parts.

 

Scratch that. i jacked it up again one more time and turned the drive shaft by hand. definitely not the differential. it coming from the transfer case...

 

Anybody have a tranny/transfer case for sale? needs to be a:

4 speed 46rh tranny, shift on the fly 231hd transfer case 200mm front axle.

 

go to www.car-part.com and search local salvage yards for one. That is how I found mine.

 

Does anybody know of a good/reliable transmission/transfer case shops around the KC area?

 

THANKS BIG KAT!!!!!

I used that database and found a place about 200 miles from my mom and dads house that had one for 350. When compared to the 1000 that everyone else I got a great deal. Thanks again so much!!

Has anybody replaced a transfer case before? I nor my dad have ever done anything like this and I was just hoping that someone good give me either some instructions or a place where I can look to see what all its going to take to replace this bad boy.

 

The transfer case is easy. Remove both drive shafts. Unbolt it from the tranny, and pull down. You may need to remove the tail shaft housing and balancer and twist the transfer case to get it out. The FAQ has a list of online service manuals that can give better details and pictures.