I was wondering if anbody new that if the rear end gear ratio is different from the front diff. on my 4x4 would that cause my transfer case to blow up? I found out when replacing my u-joints that the rear end has been changed. Maybe bigger gears? Not to sure yet. But my t-case blew up 2 weeks ago. And I am wondering if this is the cause. I am not certain, but arent the front and rear gear ratios suppose to be the same? Wouldnt that mena if they are different then with the front drive shaft in would cause some kind of conflict internally in the t-case?

 

They should be the same. Most have 3.55 gears.

 

They are definately supposed to be the same! The transfer case locks the front and rear axle together in 4x4, so if the two axles are spinning at different rates, the drivetrain will bind and something has to give (typically the chain).

 

I know there is a way to figure out what gears there is in either one of the diffs. If I remember right cant you mark a tooth then count them on the ring and pinion to figure out what the ratio is.

 

Yes you can count the teeth.

The easiest way is to lift the tires (Rear or front only) then spin one tire. Make 1 full revolution, count the number of times the drive shaft turns. From factory there are only Ratios: 3.21 (rare), 3.55 (normal), or 3.90 (rare).

 

You spin the drive shaft and count on the tires, unless you have a locker all that will happen is the oppisite tire will turn in the other direction.