My truck has a bad transfer case. As I rarely use the 4 wheel drive, I'd like to disconnect it so it doesn't do further damage until I can replace it ($700 plus labor.). What turns it from the engine/transmission and can it simply be disconnected for the time being?

 

The engine powers the transmission the transmission transfers that power to the axles if in 4wd. In 2wd it still transfers the power to the rear axle. You can not remove the transfer-case and drive the truck. What is wrong with the transfer-case?

I will move this to the 1st generation Dakota sub-forum.

 

Id go to the salvvage yard and get another. Its not a big job to replace it.

 

Basically it's just making a terribly crunching noise that goes along with the speed we are driving. A mechanic friend listened and made an educated guess that it needs to be replaced. I do know it's pretty much empty of fluid and continued driving will do further damage. Going to try adding some to see if it helps because I'm really not trying to pay $500 for a salvage yard replacement just now. :-/
Thanks for the info!!

 

Sorry ot steal the thread but could you change out the transfer case from 4wd and replace it with the tail shaft of the 2wd transmission?

 

No the transmission housing is different n that would requir a longer driveshaft not worth the hassle.. Creedem, I would drain what's in the Transfercase now n refill with 5w30 synthetic engine oil.. Y, u may ask? Cause the transmission fluid is simply to thin n allows parts to wear out easier.. Oil is thicker n lubes everything way better n prevents normal wear n Tear that u would come across using transmission fluid

 

Wish I could get a hold of a bad transfer case. I'd love to learn to rebuild one and bearing and seal kits are readily available. I understand that they tend to be a bit fiddley, but it's gotta be possible

 

^^^^^ this^^^^ or craigslist I can swap out that T case in ~an hour or less