Transfer case noise?
 

https://youtu.be/125SJJmsjII
it wont let me embed the video in the thread so please click the link to view the video

Pull the tailshaft housing and see if the clip fell off the shaft....

would you happen to have a link to a video or picture of this clip?
just take those 4 bolts off that tail shaft part of the tc and take a look?
truck just turned 20, with 171k on the clock. how difficult is it to replace the entire tc?

Some of the bolts are fun to get to, but, if you are in reasonably good health, and have a good floor jack, it isn't that bad of a job.

Have a look in the service manual, if you don't have one, you can download one from here. Some good info there. But, basically, yeah, four bolts, and possibly a clip concealed under a little cover, and it pulls right off.

well no doubt that the transfer case is making noise, im thinking that its just play in the chain which to some extent is normal. however my track bar is clunking too, already replaced it once but that was with a cheap one. im gonna get a good adjustable one this time. i think this thread could be brought back up as i settle up with the cheaper things clunking about and finally come around to putting a new tc in.

If you are going to replace it, again..... Why not upgrade to the third-gen style? It has bushings on both ends. Never have to replace it again. :D

ive put much thought into that, but i cant because my lift kit has a track bar relocation bracket and it uses the stupid stud. if the moog lasts 3-4 years ill be happy. i just replaced it today actually, i ordered some longer sway bar links so i can get rid of the sway bar drop brackets. i have never been a fan of those. you would think you spend 2k+ on a lift it would come with the end links.

They make adjustable ones for folks with a lift. :D

the bracket is bolted and welded to the cross member under the engine.

That's what grinders were invented for. :D Sure does make it a lot more work though.... But, you already have your new one installed, do you not?