Hi guys! I blew my transfer case in a stock 94 12V truck that I just bought 3 weeks ago. It was my fault - I was on a 20* slope with a trailer and my clutch started slipping. I kept on slipping down more and more. Well, I consulted the visor's advisory on how to use 4H and 4L (the slope was sandy gravel type), and like an idiot engaged 4L. Loud knock, the front shaft swang, hit the transfer case chipping a fist size chunk of aluminum out of it, breaking the shift linkage, and of course spilling fluid all over the ground. The bolts were ripped off, bent and threads are stripped.

It was on Saturday yesterday, so I had to tow in to a Dodge dealership in Auburn, CA. I am from Bakersfield 5 hours south with no idea where to take the truck. The dealer gave me an idea of around $2400 for just the transfer case + 6 hours of labor. I did some searching here and found Transfer Case Express place where I would be getting a transfer case for around $900. A few questions:

- Will it be okay to get a cheaper rebuilt unit, or should I get a new one?
- Can I go ahead and get the beefed up version NP241DHD? Are they all interchangeable (207, 208 231)? I don't know which one I have on my truck.
- What is the difference between NP241DHD and NP241DLD?
- Should I get South Bend Cluth installed at the same time to avoid clutch slippage again in the future?
- And finally, any mechanic in that area (Auburn, Sacramento) who knows our trucks you can recommend?

I appreciate your help and time reading this,
Den

 

As per our phone conversation I'll try to help as much as possible.

I'm working 6-6pm tomorrow but I can help afterwards.

Talk to Charlie tomorrow and let me know how it goes. We may be able to arrange cheap local transport for you.


Rick

 

Thanks, Rick for a recommendation! I will make a few more phone calls trying to arrange a tow to El Dorado to Charlie's shop.

D

 

Driveline.com has rebuilt transfers for $895. Your truck should have the NP241DHD. If you are at all mechanically inclined you and a friend (A very good friend!) could have it in pretty quick (2 to 6hrs. depending on beverage of choice!)

 

Thanks, Barry, for a link. I think it is: http://www.drivetrain.com

Is there a beefed up version of a transfer case I can use? I will talk to the mechanic today about it, I saw some posts here with people installing something called "transfer case saver" kit. Will it be a good idea to do it now since it is already apart?

And which beverage can make it a 2-hour job? :-)
D

 

A brief update. Per one of the board member's recommendations (thanks Rick!), I contacted Charlie's shop, J&C Automotive in El Dorado who specializes in Dodge trannies and transfer cases. I talked to Peggy, great service. She contacted a few towing companies and found me the best deal to tow my truck from Auburn to her shop. I also opted for a medium duty clutch (Luke's) to replace my worn stock one.

I will let you guys know how it goes.

Regards,
D

 

I haven't found the 2 hr. beverage yet !

The people on this site are great! There is not much known to man that at least one member and usually many more doesn't have a pretty good idea about and is kind enough to share their knowledge with you. I'm glad everything worked out for you!

 

Barry/darom That is precisely why I joined DTR instead of ...........what was the other one?

The people on these forums seem to be genuinely concerned with helping others!

All I did was help one of my DTR buddies out in less than 15min by reading new posts and his request for help.

Good Karma guys!! Hope you'll do the same!!


Rick