Transfer case leak

[jubelo]

Ive got a crack on the flange where the filler plug is on my transfer case. Should I look into replacing that cover, or the entire case? Would it be worth it to upgrade to a newer transfer case (mine is an 87, I hear the newer ones have different gears)?

 

[runnercam]

got any pictures?

 

[jubelo]

got any pictures?

I'll crawl under there and take some tomorrow. With the naked eye and thumbnail i can tell you its a small crack at the flange. The redneck inside says to fix it with jbweld...

 

[CAN-03runner]

Ive got a crack on the flange where the filler plug is on my transfer case. Should I look into replacing that cover, or the entire case? Would it be worth it to upgrade to a newer transfer case (mine is an 87, I hear the newer ones have different gears)?

Most people upgrade to the older transfercase.

Is yours 4cyl or 6cyl? I think V6 came along in 88/89 though so you're probably 4cyl.

The 4 cyl transfercase is gear driven and legend says it is more stout but noisier. The V6 is chain driven, still pretty stout but quiet.

Being gear driven means that after market gears have been created by the likes of marlin crawler, trail gear and some others which lower the gear ratio giving a higher crawl ratio making you be able to more slowly crawl over rocks. And slow here means control.This is what the difference is with the gear thing. Having the older transfercase gives you the option of upgrading the gears.

Stock vs stock the V6 tcase is geared lower making it better in that respect.

Rebuild kits and new stock gears are sold if you wanted to take this opportunity to refresh your transfercase if you don't really want to upgrade to a lower ratio.

I hope this explains the gear thing.

 

[runnercam]

Most people upgrade to the older transfercase.

Is yours 4cyl or 6cyl? I think V6 came along in 88/89 though so you're probably 4cyl.

The 4 cyl transfercase is gear driven and legend says it is more stout but noisier. The V6 is chain driven, still pretty stout but quiet.

Being gear driven means that after market gears have been created by the likes of marlin crawler, trail gear and some others which lower the gear ratio giving a higher crawl ratio making you be able to more slowly crawl over rocks. And slow here means control.This is what the difference is with the gear thing. Having the older transfercase gives you the option of upgrading the gears.

Stock vs stock the V6 tcase is geared lower making it better in that respect.

Rebuild kits and new stock gears are sold if you wanted to take this opportunity to refresh your transfercase if you don't really want to upgrade to a lower ratio.

I hope this explains the gear thing.

to do the gear reduction upgrade the inside of the case has to be machined a little bit to clear those new gears. at least for the 4.7 ratio. it all also depends on what you plan on doing with your rig. rock crawling? running around in the hills? i personally would only go with the 4.7 for the rocks because its so low. its the same as having a dual case setup with stock gears in both cases. just dont have to change driveshafts, crossmember, or more holes in the floor for the extra shifter

 

[jubelo]

Most people upgrade to the older transfercase.

Is yours 4cyl or 6cyl? I think V6 came along in 88/89 though so you're probably 4cyl.

The 4 cyl transfercase is gear driven and legend says it is more stout but noisier. The V6 is chain driven, still pretty stout but quiet.

Being gear driven means that after market gears have been created by the likes of marlin crawler, trail gear and some others which lower the gear ratio giving a higher crawl ratio making you be able to more slowly crawl over rocks. And slow here means control.This is what the difference is with the gear thing. Having the older transfercase gives you the option of upgrading the gears.

Stock vs stock the V6 tcase is geared lower making it better in that respect.

Rebuild kits and new stock gears are sold if you wanted to take this opportunity to refresh your transfercase if you don't really want to upgrade to a lower ratio.

I hope this explains the gear thing.

Thanks for the info, you cleared that up! Its my daily driver that I use for my businesses (yes 2, I'm a sadist). If the gear setup is stouter, I'll stick with that, the noise doesnt bother me enough to make me change to a lesser setup.

Is it possible to just replace the part of the case where the crack is, or do I need a whole new outer case?

 

[CAN-03runner]

to do the gear reduction upgrade the inside of the case has to be machined a little bit to clear those new gears. at least for the 4.7 ratio. it all also depends on what you plan on doing with your rig. rock crawling? running around in the hills? i personally would only go with the 4.7 for the rocks because its so low. its the same as having a dual case setup with stock gears in both cases. just dont have to change driveshafts, crossmember, or more holes in the floor for the extra shifter

I haven't done it myself yet, have the cases in the shed, but no 4.7 gears yet. What instructions I have seen online in the past, I don't recall mention of grinding down anything to make some space for the new gears.

 

[CAN-03runner]

Thanks for the info, you cleared that up! Its my daily driver that I use for my businesses (yes 2, I'm a sadist). If the gear setup is stouter, I'll stick with that, the noise doesnt bother me enough to make me change to a lesser setup.

Is it possible to just replace the part of the case where the crack is, or do I need a whole new outer case?

You never put up those pictures.

 

[runnercam]

I haven't done it myself yet, have the cases in the shed, but no 4.7 gears yet. What instructions I have seen online in the past, I don't recall mention of grinding down anything to make some space for the new gears.

i dont think all 4.7 kits require clearancing, but i do know that the kit from Marlin Crawler has it in the instructions. Its not much at all. Just taking down a nub on one of the case covers

4.70:1 Gear Install | Marlin Crawler, Inc.