I decided buying a transfercase is way too expensive so im gonna bebuild mine instead. I need tips on rebuilding a transfer case for a 1996 Jeep Cherokee Country 4.0 litre straight six. automatic, four wheel drive. Also if anyone knows if its common for jeeps to have bad bearings i have a loud rattle, clicking noise thats coming from right above the oil pan. i cant find anything on it.
Transfer Case Problems... 96 Jeep Cherokee
- Thread starter JokerJay
- Start date
Bounty__Hunter
Super Moderator
That jeep came with both the 231 and 242 model transfer cases, the 231 is much more common and easier to repair. Check the round tag on the back of the case and let us know which model you have. The 231 is easy to fix, I'll help you along the way.
Make sure you get a good set of lock-ring pliers, they're the type with knurled duck-bill ends that spread the lock rings in the transfer case.
Here's a good tech source on the 231: http://pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/PDFs/New Jun 2003/Jeep component service manual TCase_NP231.pdf
The 231 is commonly for sale on local jeep forums and Craigslist, usually for $100-$200. If you buy used, make sure it's from a similar drivetrain and the input shaft is the same as your current case.
Make sure you get a good set of lock-ring pliers, they're the type with knurled duck-bill ends that spread the lock rings in the transfer case.
Here's a good tech source on the 231: http://pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/PDFs/New Jun 2003/Jeep component service manual TCase_NP231.pdf
The 231 is commonly for sale on local jeep forums and Craigslist, usually for $100-$200. If you buy used, make sure it's from a similar drivetrain and the input shaft is the same as your current case.
SteelHeadz
Super Moderator
Rebuilding a Transfer case is no biggie even for a novice weekend mechanic. i'm guessing that you have a New process t.case. once you remove the t.case from the jeep, remove the front output yoke off and if the rear output shaft has that too, remove it as well. remove the speed sensor and switch. Find a place where you can set the t.case with the Rear of the T.case facing upwards. then start removing all the bolts that holds both halves of the t.case together. Gently separate the 2 halves to expose most of its components. check all the components and take note of their orientation so that you remember how they go back together. Your normal wear and tear parts will be the Chain, sleeve, synchro ring, fork pads, possibly the forks if the pads has been worn off for awhile, Gears , bearings and seals. Use your best judgement on what needs to be replaced, if you have doubts, take a good picture of it and post it here so we can give you a second opinion. as for the Loud rattle above your oil pan, If your certain that its not coming from the cylinder head area then i would inspect the Crankshaft main and rod bearings. if the noise is higher than the engine block, then it could be a colapsed lifter.depending on the severity of a Colapsed lifter , this could also be associated with a misfire, poor engine performance or a driveability issue in general. i may have left some other info. that needs to be checked, i'm sure our fellow members will advise you of that.
Dragon5126
New member
On the Tcase, once you identify it, you will be able to order a rebuild kit for it. seals bearings and so forth, it would probably be worth it to order a chain right away as well, since they stretch over time and miles and you will have it apart anyway.
