1998 Durango SLT auto
NV231 HD transfer case.

had T Fluid leaking from weep hole on TCase.

i'm in the process of removing the transfer case form my 98 Durango SLT automatic. maybe you have heard me shouting at the top nuts that secure the T Case to the transmission!?! I am still working on getting the one on the passenger side of the D off! any suggestions on what might make this easier to get to and remove?

Also.....I took off the large drain bolt on the bottom of the transfer case before I realized the drain was actually located on the side where the fill plug is I am referring to the large bronze colored plug that has a small spring embedded inside its hollow core. Was the fluid released from that hole just part of the T Case fluid and will it get filled when I pour in new ATF +4? sorry, I couldn't figure out why the separate plug is there?

 

You could in bolt your body bolts that hold the frame to the body and jack up the body to get enough clearance to unholy that last one and when your ready to reinstall it you will have enough room to properly torque them back down. Remember don't jack it up to much because your brake lines up front may break if there a little old and rusty. Other wise they should have have enough play in them to flex a little to get the clearance you will need.
I also know of a lot of ppl who have removed that pesky sound reading mat thats attached under the vehicle. Good luck hope this has helped you.

 

Thank you for the ideas. I will probably try lifting the body if I can locate the bolts I need to remove. I tell ya, I was ready to cut a hole in the floorboard to get access to that thing! have spent way too much time on this Thanks again.

 

ok, I finally got this POS nut removed. it refused to cooperate with any of the various combination of sockets, swivels and extensions that I tried. and I tried for HOURS. finally bought a 12mm / 14mm offset wrench and hacksawed off the 14mm end to just under 3.5" in length. that got 'er done in no time flat with no problem. there is simply no room to maneuver at that nut's location!

 

I have got the new seals in and have the transfer case back on the Durango. now I have another issue......the transfer case will not engage wont go into 2H or 4H or 4L. man, I am hoping this is just something with the shift rod? maybe I reattached it to be shifting from above its attachment point and it should be down below?

I just want to know that I didn't foul things up when I removed the drain bolt that is on the bottom of the case?? service manual refers to those pieces as the "Detent Plug, Spring And Plunger". anybody?

 

I was going to post this information.
Diagnosis Chart
Condition Possible Cause Correction
Transfer case difficult to shift or will not shift into desired range. 1) Vehicle speed to great to permit shifting. 1) Slow vehicle and shift into desired range.
2) If vehicle was operated for an extended period in 4H mode on dry surface, driveline torque load may cause difficulty. 2) Stop vehicle and shift transfer case to Neutral position. Transfer case can then be shifted to the desired mode.
3) Transfer case shift linkage binding. 3) Repair or replace linkage as necessary.
4) Insufficient or incorrect lubricant. 4) Drain and refill transfer case with the correct type and quantity of lubricant.
5) Internal transfer case components binding, worn, or damaged. 5) Repair or replace components as necessary.
Transfer case noisy in all drive modes. 1) Insufficient or incorrect lubricant. 1) Drain and refill transfer case with the correct type and quantity of lubricant.
Transfer case noisy while in, or jumps out of, 4L mode. 1) Transfer case not completely engaged in 4L position. 1) Slow vehicle, shift transfer case to the Neutral position, and then shift into the 4L mode.
2) Transfer case shift linkage out of adjustment. 2) Adjust linkage as necessary.
3) Transfer case shift linkage loose or binding. 3) Repair, replace, or tighten linkage components as necessary.
4) Range fork damaged, inserts worn, or fork is binding on the shift rail. 4) Repair or replace components as necessary.
5) Low range gear worn or damaged. 5) Repair or replace components as necessary.
Lubricant leaking from transfer case seals or vent. 1) Transfer case overfilled. 1) Drain lubricant to the correct level.
2) Transfer case vent closed or restricted. 2) Clean or replace vent as necessary.
3) Transfer case seals damaged or installed incorrectly. 3) Replace suspect seal.
Abnormal tire wear. 1) Extended operation in 4H mode on dry surfaces, 1) Operate vehicle in 2H mode on dry surfaces.

How far did you take the transfer case apart? By the way, i use a 9/16 half moon wrench to remove the nuts on the transfer case. Same type of wrench to remove the starter too, but only 5/8.

 

Thank you for the information. Didn't take the T Case apart at all. only removed the input shaft seal and put in a new one. Refilled with approximately 2.5 pints of ATF +4 from dodge. There had been no drivability issues with the D since I have owned it.
btw: I had noticed your suggestion for the half moon wrench in another posting. I went to Sears to get one, but they had none in stock. so I used the offset.

 

Thats okay, Try one of the tool trucks. Mac, Snap on or Matco. Its has to be the linkage. Try moving the lever by hand without the linkage connected.

 

thank you for the info provided. I looked at the linkage and sure enough, I had not attached it correctly. failed to fit the rectangular cutout on the attaching plate onto its matching piece on the transfer case side. so instead of engaging any gears, it was only moving around on the bolt. oops things are working as they should now.

 

Thats okay. We all have done that.