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To those who know about the chain in a Jeep 231 transfer case putting a hole in the cover!!

I just saw some postings on a Jeep discussion about a hole in a transfer case and the stretched chain. Well this is exactly what I have, and I have to make a quick decision so I'm writing to anyone who can give good insight.

I just bought a nice 5-speed, 2-door, 96 cherokee, with about 150,000 mi. It runs very well, aside from an obvious transfer case problem because it makes lots of noise. The transfer case has a hole on the bottom of it and won't hold fluid. After taking off the cover, I've found that the chain inside has stretched out to the point where it has been rubbing on the side and has worn the hole through. I dropped the cover and gear and chain off at a transmission shop and they will call tommorrow to tell me what they think, however, the skeptic I am, I'm thinking they'll tell me it all needs to be rebuilt, or at the very least, that they'll replace the chain and seal on the cover for "Only $259" or something, however those parts are cake to replace if I could only get the parts myself patching the hole I couldn't do, but I'm hoping they won't just try to get me to do it "The Transmission Specialist's" way, e.g. a complete rebuild, or just try to replace a seal and patch a hole and then get me for a few hundred, because I don't decide to go for the entire rebuild, with hopes that it'll repare itself with some oil and maybe some can of repair stuff.

So I am aware that patching won't do any good unless I replace the chain...

Ok, so I'm assuming that with the absence of fluid present for some time, there could be more wrong than just the chain stretched, right? maybe a bad bearing?? something else?? Visually, the inside of the case doesn't look real bad. The large gears look alright, and there isn't tons of wear that is obvious. I am hoping (with my fingers crossed so I don't have to pull out and replace the whole damn case) that there may be .....Some sort of chain kit or something that can be replaced while the whole thing is still in the jeep, then patch the hole in the case, and then with fluid, everything will be ok!! (maybe a little whining which could go away, but with time and some trans-medic or something, OK)

Have you heard of this problem before, and could this chain stretching possibly be preliminary enough to catch before the whole unit being blown or ruined?

Thanks in advance to any valuable advice. It will be very much appreciated.

Reply to
Ben-town
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Reply to
L.W.(ßill)

Figure what you have is toast. New prices $800 complete at

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Junkyard prices vary but I've been quoted in the $400 to $500=20 range at the larger places.

It is about a 4 hour job at a standard > Good luck, I don't see them even giving you the core exchange

Reply to
Roy

Too bad. What were the symptoms before the TC opened up and dumped the fluid? I'm asking because I have 190800 on my YJ NP231 TC and the only thing I notice is that is sounds like it whines a little at highway speeds and stops when I let off the gas. Anyone know if this is a stretched TC chain wanting to open the case?

Did you buy it this way or did it make a "lot" of noise or just a whine when you were on the highway?

I would imagine this would sound like what my current YJ has but it doesn't sound like it's wearing through the case. I think that would be felt and heard too. Much louder than a whine?

I would like to know the same before it happens to me. Any peticular noise? Is it that highway whine when on the gas pedal and then when just coasting it goes away? It doesn't sound very loud but it sounds more like the rear.

Same here...

Reply to
Peter Parker

--snip--

Afaik, the chain is not under load and therefore not susceptible to (much) stretching except when four wheel drive is being used. On a YJ with that strange front axle disconnect, the chain might not even be moving in two wheel drive.

Earle

Reply to
Earle Horton

Reply to
L.W.(ßill)

Okay. My noise sounds and feels like it is coming from the rear. It's not as bad as I thought and it's about the same when letting up on the gas. It just changes down and sounds pretty normal IMHO. With a 190K miles normal sounding. :)

Reply to
Peter Parker

Oh Okay. I guess mine should be okay and what I am hearing is just a worn ring and pinion.

Thanks.

Reply to
Peter Parker

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