Is this the right way to determine if my transfer case chain needs replacing?

[msmall007]

I am about to embark on my first major work on my 2003 TJ; I am going to replace my fried NV3550 with a new AX15 (Novak). The transmission shop I took my jeep to for evaluation said, in addition to the transmission being ‘shot’, that he believes my transfer case chain is stretched. He noted he made this determination by sound, which may be true, but I am dubious. I guess I am verifying that I can check this issue by elevating my front wheels, putting the transfer case in 4WD, and checking the amount of play/rotation on the front drive shaft. Is this the correct way to do this or is there in fact a possible audible way to assume a TC problem?

Thanks in advance!.

 

[macleanflood]

Your method is sound.

What kind of a lift do you have installed? Do you have a skid plate spacer to lower the transmission and transfer case to reduce vibration?

I ask because you might want to throw a SYE - slip yoke eliminator - at the 231...and since you're splitting the case anyway you can evaluate the chain and decide if you want to replace it.

Mine has 242k on it and I consider mine just fine.

-Mac

 

[msmall007]

You are correct, my TC is a 231J. As the seller did not have a lot of documentation when I bought this ~6yrs ago, I am not 100% sure of the type of lift. I believe it is Old Man EMU 2.5-3.5 lift. It does have 6 disc spacers to lower the skid plate. As a novice still on Jeep, I am not sure the purpose of a slip yoke eliminator. Just looking at images of what's included, would that require replacing drive shaft(s) as well. How would I determine is this is needed... or if I already have one??

 

[tnjeepguy]

"I am not sure the purpose of a slip yoke eliminator. Just looking at images fo what's included, would that require replacing drive shaft(s) as well. How would I determine is this is needed?"

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/a-beginners-guide-to-lifting-your-jeep-wrangler-tj.733/

 

[msmall007]

Thank you both... I've got some self-educating to do.

 

[DuckNut]

From your pics i would be very leary of a bad transfer case. A chain is going to be noisy brand new.

I would do trans and leave the TC and deal with it afterwards if it does in fact need attention.

 

[hear]

You are correct, my TC is a 231J. As the seller did not have a lot of documentation when I bought this ~6yrs ago, I am not 100% sure of the type of lift. I believe it is Old Man EMU 2.5-3.5 lift. It does have 6 disc spacers to lower the skid plate. As a novice still on Jeep, I am not sure the purpose of a slip yoke eliminator. Just looking at images of what's included, would that require replacing drive shaft(s) as well. How would I determine is this is needed... or if I already have one??

View attachment 626714View attachment 626715

Bascially it allows you to not have to drop the skid, by using a different style driveshaft & changing the pinion angle. If you don't care about clearance, I don't know that I would worry too much about it.

See that accordion boot on your driveshaft? If you had an SYE that would be a double cardan style u-joint.