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Transfer case problem

Old Feb 2, 2003 | 10:43 PM
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Question Transfer case problem

I have a '99 F250 that has about 84,000 miles on it. I recently took it up in the snow and was shifting in and out of four wheel drive with no problem. I took it back into the city and I started hearing a clunking sound (yes I unlocked the hubs). This sound occurred at completly random times. It sounded to be in the front linkage or driveshaft. I checked all the bolts to make sure they were all tight and checked for any slippage and the clunking still was there. It then dawned on me that I should try the 4X4. I tried shifting (manual) at about 25 MPH into four wheel drive and the gears ground. I can shift into 4X4 when the truck is not moving. To me it sounds like the synchronizer has gone bad. I could be completely wrong though. Has anyone run into this problem? I could really use some help, I have never taken a transfer case apart. Thanks, John
 
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Old Feb 3, 2003 | 08:32 AM
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Transfer case problem

Is this a manual shift transfer case?
I couldn't tell from your post.


if you were shifting in and out fine in the snow ,then here are some things to chk.

front drive shaft u-joints
front axle u-joints
make sure your hubs are both unlocked or lockedget under the truck and actually turn the shaft by hand to chk if there free .

sometimes water and dirt get in there and don't alow them to unlock

if this truck is an auto trans with a manual transfer case . put your auto in neutral and place the tranfercase in neutral any grinding?

put the transfer case in 4 hi did it grind?
same thing only try 4lo any grinding?

If so you may have a chain problem within the transfer case.

These transfercase are pretty tough but can be abused if not regularly maintained.

Notice I didn't mention if this an esof transfercase because I hate those!

Rich
 
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Old Feb 3, 2003 | 07:30 PM
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Transfer case problem

First off, thanks for the reply. The Transfer case is a manual shift and the transmissioin is an automatic. I put the Tranny in neutral and the transfer case into 4hi and there was no grinding. I then spun the front drive shaft by hand and everything seemed to be ok. I am not real sure what to try next except to take apart the transfer case. Any pointers from anyone who has done it? Will I need a transmission jack or can two guys hold it? Any other suggestions?
 
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Old Feb 3, 2003 | 07:53 PM
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Transfer case problem

Stop!
Have you tried shifting from 2hi to 4hi with the hubs locked?It should shift from 2hi to 4hi on the fly with the hubs locked.

I'll have to verify it,but I believe you will experience grinding shifting on the fly if the hubs aren't locked.

In other words,you may not have a problem at all.
 
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Old Feb 3, 2003 | 08:02 PM
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Transfer case problem

Well, I just got back from a quick ride and, 4X4X4X4, you are right. You saved me a big mess. I really appreciate it. It sure is easy to make a big deal out of a little problem. But that still doesn't explain the clunking sound. Any other blatant things I seem to be missing
 
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Old Feb 3, 2003 | 08:22 PM
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Transfer case problem

If the clunking is in the front end.....Ball joints come to mind first.


If it's not in the front.then........
Super Dutys' have a habit of making a rear driveshaft/slip yoke,clunking.

Also,you may want to check calipers and pads for looseness and rattling.
 

Last edited by 4x4x4x4; Feb 3, 2003 at 08:28 PM.
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Old Feb 3, 2003 | 09:05 PM
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Transfer case problem

The clunking is in the front end, I'll check the ball joints this weekend. Thanks again for the help!
 
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Old Feb 3, 2003 | 09:58 PM
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Transfer case problem

4x4x4 ,glad you step in while I was away from the puter. sure would not want that on my record

huh ! he he he !

yes you will get grind if the hubs are not locked and you shift to 4wh hi ,but if it grinds when the hubs are locked shifting into 4wh hi .
then we have a problem.

Did we find out if the clunking is only while in 4wh
or in 2wh also?

Rich
 
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Old Feb 3, 2003 | 10:06 PM
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Transfer case problem

The clunking is while in 2hi. I have not heard the clunking in 4hi, but that is probably because I haven't been in 4X4 much lately. The clunking does not seem to be associated with anything with the drive line, steering or suspension. I am completely lost. It sounds like a bolt is loose somewhere and something is shifting back and forth. Pretty tough to find. Any ideas?
 
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Old Feb 3, 2003 | 10:31 PM
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Transfer case problem

okay !
4x4x4x4 gave you some areas to chk !
here are a few more
trackbar brackets
swaybar brackets
pivot points (ball joints)
springs
spring u-bolts
steering stabilizer bracket and mounting bolts

Rich
 
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