Transfer case going/gone?
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
Transfer case going/gone?
I'm getting a loud "scraping"-type noise from the transfer case on my '98 4WD Expy whenever it's in gear. Is it on its way out or what? Could it be something I can fix such as the bearings - is this what normally goes? I've parked it in the driveway for fear of getting stuck out in the boondocks. I was driving it in 2WD and it was VERY LOUD! I jacked up the Expy, put it in gear, and the noise seemed to be coming from the side where the rear driveshaft connects. Any ideas?
Last edited by maldbwmjr; Feb 9, 2009 at 10:10 AM. Reason: Add'l question.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 637
Likes: 4
From: Media, PA
Sounds like a bearing is gone or the U-joint is shot. Did you happen to check the fluid level in the case? When you were driving it, did the noise change at all when the driveshaft was at different angles, like when going over bumps and the suspension was compressed?
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
Fluid level was full - I changed it in August '08. The noise initially was low - I first thought I had to change my brake pads, but got really loud yesterday. I stopped driving it when it got that loud - didn't want to risk being stuck so can't tell you anything about the angle difference.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 590
Likes: 0
From: shelocta, pa
i would drop both drive shafts with the parking brakes on and wheel chocks, placing the truck in neutral. to isolate it to the transfre case before blowing some cash. a stethiscope(sp?) may aide in trouble shooting.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 24,322
Likes: 5,132
From: 0,0,1
I would change the u-joints before the transfer case. It's a lot cheaper and you might end up changing them anyway just to protect the new t-case, if you end up going that route.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
Thanks for your responses. Now for the idiot question of the day: what is the "U-joint" you guys are referring to?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 637
Likes: 4
From: Media, PA
The output shaft on the rear of the transfer case (and the front one, as well) connects to the driveshaft which transfers the power & torque to the rear axle. On the front of the driveshaft, there is an X-shaped wobbly-looking joint that connects to the output shaft of the transfer case. This is the U-joint.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
The output shaft on the rear of the transfer case (and the front one, as well) connects to the driveshaft which transfers the power & torque to the rear axle. On the front of the driveshaft, there is an X-shaped wobbly-looking joint that connects to the output shaft of the transfer case. This is the U-joint.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 637
Likes: 4
From: Media, PA
OK, got it, thanks. Both of these should be OK as I replaced my transmission last year (by myself) and verified all of the components were in good shape. I checked them this morning and they looked fine as well - however, I'll disconnect them tomorrow to be sure. FYI, when I had the Expy on the jack stands and it was in gear, I held my hand to the transfer case and felt the "scraping" sound. Thanks for your help - I'll disconnect both driveshafts and see what happens.
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Valley Forge PA
maldbwmjr,
Where are you located. I am on the "right" side of PA (zip 19460) and I will be parting out my 1997 Expedition soon and I have never had transfer case issues. If you are somewhat local you could drive mine to verify and I would sell the transfer case complete for say $300 but I can't give a warrenty on it. I may need something for shipping if you are not local.
I will be parting this out at my fathers house (darned HOA where I live) and his house is at zip 19567 if that would be closer. The truck has to get off the road by the end of this month (inspection, emmissions, and insurance all expire end of February).
Where are you located. I am on the "right" side of PA (zip 19460) and I will be parting out my 1997 Expedition soon and I have never had transfer case issues. If you are somewhat local you could drive mine to verify and I would sell the transfer case complete for say $300 but I can't give a warrenty on it. I may need something for shipping if you are not local.
I will be parting this out at my fathers house (darned HOA where I live) and his house is at zip 19567 if that would be closer. The truck has to get off the road by the end of this month (inspection, emmissions, and insurance all expire end of February).
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
Again, thanks for everyone's help. Now comes the fun part - taking it apart and putting it back together - in the winter! Oh what joy...
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
maldbwmjr,
Where are you located. I am on the "right" side of PA (zip 19460) and I will be parting out my 1997 Expedition soon and I have never had transfer case issues. If you are somewhat local you could drive mine to verify and I would sell the transfer case complete for say $300 but I can't give a warrenty on it. I may need something for shipping if you are not local.
I will be parting this out at my fathers house (darned HOA where I live) and his house is at zip 19567 if that would be closer. The truck has to get off the road by the end of this month (inspection, emmissions, and insurance all expire end of February).
Where are you located. I am on the "right" side of PA (zip 19460) and I will be parting out my 1997 Expedition soon and I have never had transfer case issues. If you are somewhat local you could drive mine to verify and I would sell the transfer case complete for say $300 but I can't give a warrenty on it. I may need something for shipping if you are not local.
I will be parting this out at my fathers house (darned HOA where I live) and his house is at zip 19567 if that would be closer. The truck has to get off the road by the end of this month (inspection, emmissions, and insurance all expire end of February).