Hey guys, new to the forum. Current owner of a 2001 ram and 2001 durango. Questions are for durango. Had chatter and harmonic issues for awhile. Started to decipher what was wrong. 4 ball joints, 2 cv axles and 2 Hubs later I still have the chatter at low speeds and harmonic at high speeds. Had a "friend" help get all for tires off ground and moving. Diagnosed the chatter was coming from the T-case. Main Q's :
1. Is the np244 a "easy" case to rebuild??
2. From my descriptions, am I either on or close to the right track??

Any tid-bits of help will be appreciated.

 

It's a chain driven transfer case, and I don't think it has a differential. I have never rebuilt one but I believe they are fairly easy as long as you don't have to worry about an integrated diff like the NV242.

Probably kits available for things that are replaceable like the chain, bearings, gaskets, shims...and prolly even a guide online to walk you step by step through the process.

 

Had the same issue, had 4 shops tell me it was the rear differential.... come to later figure it was the T-case.. Mine was the NV242 and i have yet to replace/rebuild it.. Been noisy for the past two and a half years so i guess i better thing more seriously about it soon...

 

I have a neighbor who is a retired mechanic of 40 years. He told me my diff was bad and needed replacing. Went to my "friend", we got tires up and rolling. Chatter from t-case. Hit brakes, thru into 4hi and got a BANG!! Whole rig jerked hard and chatter turned into a clacking like a chain was thrown. Was able to drive home. Chatter was louder after.

Started process of removal yesterday, 2/12/13. Drained fluid. It was Blacker than used motor oil. Didn't smell burnt or stink other than ATF. Didn't show any glitter.

Still wonderin if I'm on the right track........ Guess I will find out in a few days after removal.

 

Sounds more and more like a transfer case in serious distress.

 

Well, it's been a few days, but I got my T-case out. OLD SCHOOL, when I opened my case, I noticed the fluid pickup tube and filter were loose and had marks from chain slap and wear. Mite be your case...

Took to a reputable shop for second opinion. NOTHIN!!!!!!! turned out to be a bad cv joint on front driveshaft where it connects to output of T-case. ARGH............... Now to put it back in.

Don't know if you guys r still readin this thread, but thnx for your words.

 

Wasn't for nothing if your pickup tube was loose and making contact with the chain. It's good that you found that. Glad you got it figured out though.