Transfer case trouble

ANSWER : The two vehicles had different types of transfer case assemblies depending on if it has part time and automatic full time type systems. The differences between the two transfer cases may be more than just the shift motor swap. If you took the transfer case out of a part time suburban vehicle and tried to put it in a full time automatic type system, it may get damaged when driving. Also the internal gearing could be different between the two vehicles but that would be hard to tell. You can take a chance and try it or get the correct one for your vehicle.

ANSWER : Hi there. Based on the mileage of your vehicle, its possible that the seal could have gone out on its own. A dynamic seal (seal on a shaft) will last for up to 80,000 miles on normal conditions, however, this depends on the engine load and where the vehicle is driven. Dirt and contamination can cause the seal to prematurely fail and causing the oil to leak out of the differential. First check the differential oil level. If there is no oil, then the seal was leaking and leaked out all of the oil. If the level is full or slightly low but within range, then the differential could have failed from either overloading the gears or causing an over-speeding condition and then an instant stop (usually when off-road). Its possible for the transfer case to fail and make the differential have a jolt to break a gear, but its more common to have the oil leak out or the gears to over-spin. If you need further assistance with replacing a damaged differential, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

ANSWER : Hello – transfer cases tend to be specific to the transmission, not the engine. In your case, your 5.7l Grand Cherokee has the 5-45RFE transmission, while the 3.7l equipped models use the W5A580 transmission. The major differences in the transmissions are the torque capacity they are designed to handle. This will also be true of the transfer cases – they have design limits for the power they can handle. The transmission rear case will be designed for the transfer case it is designed to use as well. I would recommend using only the transfer case designed for your engine and transmission.

ANSWER : Hello. This is a very common problem with this design transfer cases of these years of Dodge vehicles. This is a design flaw that was fixed in newer versions of the transfer case. You can find many forums and complaints on the internet for this problem and the only fix I have seen is to try another one or JB weld the case crack. I do not recommend anything except replacement. Make sure to use the correct fluid for this transfer case and make sure it does not get low. Double check the driveshafts have good joints and any slip yokes are lubed.

ANSWER : Hi there. Both vehicles should have an NP 246 transfer case in them. Check the casting number on the transfer cases and make sure that they both say 246 on them. If so, then yes they are interchangeable and you can swap the parts. If the transfer cases are different, then they will not be interchangeable.

ANSWER : Hello. We will be happy to assist you. The issue your vehicle is having will be best pinpointed by technician. I suggest that you have a technician perform an inspection of your four wheel drive system to help find the cause of your noise. Normally when a transfer case makes noise it means that there’s internal damage and the transfer case must be replaced. A technician with a stethoscope will be able to trace the noise and where it is found to be loudest will be the part at fault. A transfer case for your vehicle should not be over 200 dollars if you can find it locally. A few months ago a lady came into my shop with a 2006 Jeep Liberty that had a bad transmission and transfer case. We were able to find her a transmission and transfer case from LKQ Pick Your Part for about $400. Keep in mind that you can find a technician to inspect your 4WD system here https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/loud-noises-when-car-is-put-in-gear-inspection

ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. I looked at your maintenance schedule for your vehicle and found that for up to 150,000 miles, it only says to inspect the fluid level and not change it. The fluids are special fluids and if you did need any work done (i.e. if there is a leak present or other mechanical problem) then make sure the correct Ford certified fluid is used.

When it is time for you to have your transmission fluid serviced, consider having a certified automotive technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to perform the service for you.

Hope this helps and best of luck!

ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. A leak in the transfer case can cause a lot of serious issues. Tracing it can be done several ways. The most efficient way for tracking an honest leak is typically a dye test. This involves adding florescent dye to the transfer case, and finding where is seeps through with a fluorescent light. This is the easiest way to find all of the leaks (if there are more than one). Other common sources for minor leaks are the drain plug and inspection port. These simply screw in and can become loose. These also may have a washer or gasket that helps them seal. This should be inspected as well. Getting the leak fixed should be done immediately. Getting the transfer case replaced if it is run dry, can be a very expensive repair. Here at YourMechanic, we can have a technician come to your home or office to inspect and diagnose this issue for you, and make or suggest the necessary repairs.