Posted by Tim Holloway on Friday, November 03, 2006 at 9:28PM :
Here is the background:
As part of this 318 "upgrade"(the jury is still out) I want to have a transfer case that is housebroken. In trying to track down an elusive gear noise that is new since the v-8 transplant I dropped the original transfer case and installed another "take-out" case. It didnt change the noise I was hunting but it does run quieter than my old case. There is a bit of progress. I have all of the gaskets, seals and speedi-sleeves to try to keep the case from peeing on the floor. I have read the procedure in 3 Dodge manuals on replacing bearings and it sure seems like a lot of opportunity to screw something up. And, in deference to Mikey Stones preaching, why replace it if it isnt worn out? I started to remove the 3 driveshafts from the quieter case tonite and noticed a bit of slop in the center shaft yoke. I compared it to the original case (noisier) and found that one to be fairly slop free. I have about 8 other cases I can also use.
So, if you are still with me, here is the question:
Without disasembling a transfer case, is it possible to determine the condition of the bearings by playing with the yokes? What else should I be looking for. Naturally the case that I select will end up being opened up to replace the gaskets and seals so I will have the opportunity to look onside. I just dont want to open up 8 or more cases.
Thanks for hanging in through this long winded question.
Tim
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