Sidewinder

The transfercase on my '95 was leaking fluid so I figured I would open it up and fix the leak. Once inside I noticed that the chain was very loose. It was actually rubbing the case at the bottom.

How do I fix this? Can I adjust the chain or do I need to replace it. How do you replace or adjust the chain? For now I put it all back together the way it is but I would like to fix it properly when I get some more time.

Any ideas?

lifer

There is no adjustment, you will need to replace the chain. You will need to look at the tag on the case to get the info of what system you have then if you google that you should be able to come up with repair info. Some have master links some don't. Sometimes the replacement will have a masterlink. so you can cut the old chain off but I would have the new one in hand and make sure it is the right one and has a masterlink first. I would put new seals and gaskets in it also.

Sidewinder

Thanks Lifer,

You said sometimes there is a master link. How about if there isn't one. Is it just that simple. Remove and replace - no adjustments?

Thanks!

lifer

There are no adjustments. I have worked on some t cases but not necesarilly the same as yours. You may find that you have to remove one shaft to get slack to install the chain if you don't have a masterlink. Many styles of t cases don't. You will probably be better off pulling the t case and do all the gaskets a chain on a bench.

oldblues

hi
do yourself a Big favor !

while the transfur case is out replace the rear seal in the trany .

easy to do , saves pulling case agin for a leak !

lifer

OK, I got out my 97 manual and according to what I see you will need to remove the gear on the output shaft to get the chain off. There is a snap ring that holds it to the shaft. Remove the snap ring and it should slide right off. I think it would be best to go through the whole T case and if you do then you will need to remove it from the truck. you will need a manual for the rebuild. My 97 dodge factory manual goes through the whole thing. I would not do it without the manual. You will probably need to replace the sprockets also. It is always a good idea to change the sprockets when replacing a chain. I am sure they are not cheap so you will need to decide that for yourself by looking at them.

Sidewinder

Maybe I should invest in my own manual. When I had it open I thought the gears (sprockets) looked OK so I think I'll just change the chain. I just could not figure out how the chain would come off. Removing the sprocket makes sense, kind of like the timing chain on an engine.

Last question - any idea where to get one? I assume a dealer item only.

Thanks again!

Deezel Nate

Did the chain rub on the case? If you pulled the back half of the T case off, the chain will be slack since the main shaft will move toward the front output shaft a bit.

Sidewinder

Yes it was rubbing the case on the bottom. I could see where the marks where it was touching. Thats why I figure it needed to be tightened or replaced before it wears through the case completely.

lifer

I would think if you take all the info off the plate on the T case you could get the parts at a Napa parts store. I would guess that you will need a factory manual. I doubt that a climers or other brand will go into that much detail,but I could be wrong.

Clayten

Do this to before it blows and it will
http://www.drivetrain.com/gillies/Tcasesaver.html

Deezel Nate

A driveline shop will carry the T Case parts. I know Six States Distributors does for sure, but since you don't have your location filled out, I have no idea where you are.

I would probably put in a master kit and a new chain for piece of mind. Your looking at probably $150 or so.

The T Case is pretty simple to work on. If you are a bit handy with a wrench, it's nothing very challenging.

If you are close to Mtn Home, ID bring the T Case buy and I'll fix it up for you in an afternoon for a case of beer.

Sidewinder

Deezel Nate,

thanks for the offer but I will have to pass. The drive would be about 2200 miles. Just a little too far. I already had the case apart once and like you said it was not too difficult. I actually opened it up once to fix some leaks and I noticed the loose chain. I did it all from under the truck. I am just trying to figure out everything I need to know for next time I take it apart. How to do it and what parts I need.

Thanks!

Deezel Nate

The parts you need are a master rebuild kit and a new chain. I bet you can find it online even. Napa/Carquest, etc might carry them too.

You could just put new seals and a chain, but since you have it apart, I'd put new bearings as well. If the chain is worn, the bearings are probably getting there too.

Curious, do you run the truck n 4wd often? It's very uncommon for the chain to need replacing on the part time T Cases like the 241.

You'll need to pull the T Case out of the truck, but it's not too heavy, maybe 50-55lbs at most. You can just slide it off the trans by "benchpressing" it and set it on the ground, then drag it out. At least that's how I do them.

As for directions on how to, I just used a parts breakdown to make sure I was putting the stuff back in the right order, but I really didn't need that.
I suppose a manual would have the torque specs for the few things that need it. I just normally tighten stuff by calibrated elbow.

sjester

Here is another source for stuff http://quad4x4.com