Loud ass noise - not sure where to start

[ajmorell]

Under heavy accel in 4 wheel full time only. It sounds almost like a bad u-joint does (clicking sound, but louder). I'm thinking it may be the t-case chain, but it only does it in full-time, not in part time or 2wd. If I'm not heavy on the gas it doesn't make any noise at all. It doesn't seem to make any difference if I have the wheel cranked one way or the other or not.

[Spr-T-23]

242 t case i assume, i think it has a diferental for full time 4x4

[JordanA]

242 t case i assume, i think it has a diferental for full time 4x4

Huh?

Anyway, it sounds like it's probably the transfer case chain. From experience, that loud popping will eventually lead to a loud bang, followed by metal and t-case fluid on the ground.

Any other description you could offer so we can better try and diagnose?

[ajmorell]

Yeah, sorry 242 t-case. I considered that as well, but haven't really heard it failing on anyone. I guess if that is the case, for not it doesn't bother me as long as I still have 4 part time.

[JordanA]

If it is the chain, it probably should bother you. The last thing you want is that chain busting on the trail, or even on the street for that matter. It'll leave you stranded.

[ajmorell]

Huh?

Anyway, it sounds like it's probably the transfer case chain. From experience, that loud popping will eventually lead to a loud bang, followed by metal and t-case fluid on the ground.

Any other description you could offer so we can better try and diagnose?

It is certainly a loud popping. It's odd to me that it only occurs in 4wd full-time though. For the time being I am going to stay out of full-time. I won't have the chance to investigate it for another week and a half and really don't have the resources to mess with it until then either. I'm assuming I can determine if the chain has too much play just from investigation via the fill or drain hole? How much slack should the chain have...if any?

[Spr-T-23]

in my 242 it would click a little then try to engadge low range at 40, low range shift for was screwed

[ajmorell]

Well.....I thought it was only in full-time but on my way back from campus a few minutes ago it did it in part-time as well. I don't really have the resources to diagnose it right now....tools are 500 miles away at home and I don't much care for working in 20 degree weather on snow covered crushed gravel. I'm hoping/praying I can make it 2 weeks until I get home. I'm trying to run it in 2wd as much as possible, but with the weather as shitty as it has been that's a difficult task in itself.

[Spr-T-23]

not to hijack but if you ever come to my side of the state let me know

[ajmorell]

Sure thing.



Anyone know if you can check the chain w/out cracking the case?

[DJJordache]

you can unbolt the front DS and twist the tcase yoke. if there is a shit ton of twist slop then the chain has stretched and could lead to failure or worse like a split case that everything falls out of it.... could also be the planetary has cracked and the little gears are moving around in ways that they should not.....

[ajmorell]

Well.....thanks for the info guys. For the time being I don't think I'm going to mess with it. I wish I could but I just don't have the time and resources. I'll report back when I pull the case apart in a couple weeks.

[Spr-T-23]

good luck hope its not a cluster fuck like mine

[Spudy]

give me a call when you get it home if you want some help or anything. I got a shop we can heat up if need be.