Topic: Would Appreciate Need Transfer Case Some Help!

[John Do Daddy-O]

Hey all! First post! I have , and LOVE, my 99 TJ se 4-banger, 5 speed  :D , 28" Cooper tires. Daily driver, seldom, seldom offroad. Just had some snow and used 4wd for the 1st time since last winter :? . Heard a whirring sound in 4WD :cry: . No problem in 2WD. Had it inspected and was told a bearing in the transfer case was failing and they recommended a reman. unit installed at $1600  :shock: This sound reasonable to you  :?:  Let me know? Thanks! Great Forum   !

[Jeffy]

Well, think of it this way.  $1900 will get you a 3.8:1 Atlas II.  A reman with a SYW is around $1000.  A reman stock will cost around $760.  A salvage yard is around $300-500.  If you know the parts that needs replacement, you can replace just replace that for a fraction of the cost.  You can probably fine better prices by looking around.

[scoot]

buy a used tcase and labor should be about 300 if that at a tranny shop

[Jeffy]

Install it yourself and pocket the $75/hr.  Dropping the transfer case takes a day and isn't too difficult but you'll need to crack open the donor transfer case if it's not from the same type of Jeep.  (2.5L Manual)  You might want to check out the FAQ on the NP231, too.

[Bounty Hunter]

Bearings are a cinch to get to in the 231, you'd be surprised at how easy that transfer case is to work on.

Have you checked the transfer case fluid?

I'd be very suspicious of any shop telling you that you need a new transfer case over one bearing on its way out.  You can replace all the bearings and seals for a few hundred bucks.

[John Do Daddy-O]

All the fluids are good. Unfortunately, I'm not much of a wrencher. I can do oil/fluid changes, and I did all the intake upgrades, but thats about it. Any repairs would be something I would have to have done. I was leaning towards a used unit and paying someone to install it, but now I may see if I can find another shop to look at the possibility of repairing it. And thanks to all of you who have and will respond.

[Jeffy]

You know, I'd maybe put up a location and see if any local Jeepers are willing to give you a hand and doing it yourself.  It's not overly difficult once the case is out of the Jeep.

[John Do Daddy-O]

I am in Appleton, WI. I would be more than willing to discuss any sort of  compensation for someone who could fix it, or help/show me how to do it. I would also be more than willing to help out on projects you may have in return. Like I said, I'm no wrencher, but I can listen and learn.

I am pretty leery of shops, but would certainly heed any advice or recommendations on shops from anyone in this forum who knows the area. Good idea Jeffy..thanks! :wink: