I just got done breaking in the 4wd for the season; checking fluid levels, greasing joints, things like that. When I took it out for a ride on a nice straight road, I could hear the chain inside the transfer case running on the gear. It wasn't really loud like something was broken, but it was definatly noticable. In my Ford's I had in the past I never heard this sound from the transfer case, but in my old Jeep I did. This is my first winter with a Ram, so I am wondering if this is a normal noise or do I have the makings of a problem?

 

How many miles? What case? anything in the fluid(metal bits)?My 2001 makes a little more noise in 4x4 but thats another driveline running under there.

 

Miles are about 78,000. The case is the 231HD Transfer Case and there was no metal bits or anything like that in the fluid. I am just not sure what a normal sound from a Dodge transfer case should be. I will say that it drove fine while I had it in 4wd. I had it up to 60 going up hill and there was no grinding or anything like that, just a noticable sound from the chain in the case.

 

I wouldn't think there would be a problem in your case at only 78,000 miles. I've got the same case and almost 120,000 on mine and so far no trouble. Just keep an eye on the fluid and ujoints.