Transfer case problems

[skippy]

So i just bought a new tow rig its a 2004 dodge ram 3500........I test drove it at the dealership (Henry Day Ford) and everything was great 4-wheel drive worked great everything so i made the purchase. well almost a month has gone by and after this latest snow storm i put the truck in 4-wheel drive to back my trailer up on the side of my house (I have a steep driveway) and the transfer case feels like it binds up and then POP and then binds up and POP and does it worse when your turning. I had my wife back it up while i got out and listened and I am pretty sure the transfer is the culprit i unhook the trailer and check the fluid on the t-case i pull the check plug and get nothing so i pull the drain plug and i get maybe half a cup of some of the most nasty brown stuff i have ever seen.......I guess my question is what inside the t-case probably needs to be replaced i am going to call the dealership at 9 when they open bracuse they told me the all ther fluids have been changed and its good to go and that t-case clearly wasnt new fluid

 

[bryson]

You'll want to replace all bearings, bushings and seals, as well as the chain. Also, you'll want to inspect the pump very carefully, as running low on fluid can damage it as well.

 

[iamsparticus]

That sucks, its the reason i never buy used from a dealership

 

[skippy]

what inside the t-case would actually make the popping sound though

 

[sixstringsteve]

I am going to call the dealership at 9 when they open bracuse they told me the all ther fluids have been changed and its good to go and that t-case clearly wasnt new fluid

Wait, a dealer lied about a vehicle !?!?!

So sorry to hear that man, I know you were super stoked with that truck. I hope you get it resolved quickly.

 

[skippy]

And where is a good place to get parts from

 

[sixstringsteve]

I'd go back to the dealer and make them fix it.

 

[skippy]

Im working on that right now but i was gonna call around and get prices on parts just to see what ill be spending if do end up rebuilding it myself

 

[BCGPER]

On a truck that old you're probably hosed, but you have a couple things going for you. First off, they're a very reputable dealer (wish I would have bought my new one through them). Now, if you could find any kind of documentation that shows they serviced it, I don't see how they would deny the claim.

If you do end up having to dig into it yourself, Six States can hook you up on the parts.

 

[Rot Box]

Popping and binding... Could be a spun bearing and the chain is jumping/binding on the sprockets. Its really hard to say without tearing it down. These t-cases need plenty of fluid even if you don't use 4wd I'm betting the whole thing is worn out of tolerance :-\

Your best bet might be finding a used replacement. Good luck let us know what it turns out being if you do disassemble the case.

Andrew

 

[rholbrook]

Popping and binding can also be that it is all locked up on dry ground as well and nothing is giving. Drive it on dirt and see if it does the same thing

 

[rondo]

This depends on the dealer if they'll help you or not. Even if they its a so called 'factory certified inspection' or whatever they can always say too much time is gone by.

Not to hijack but when i bought my frontier in 2001 the salesman said it only has 1 key and keyless entry, no jack or lug wrench but we'll hook you up. He sure did. After the sale was done and papers signed, i didn't get shat. Point is its a buyer beware world and not be glass half empty but there are more dishonest people around than those who care about customer service. If they take care of you, let us know here. Just curious.

 

[skippy]

As of right now it sounds like they will cover it I need to set up a time when i can drop it off with them they made it sound like they will cover parts but i might need to cover labor depending on labor costs I will take the parts home and do this myself I have done a few np231 out of jeeps so i figure this cant be much different but we will see what they say

 

[sixstringsteve]

good luck skippy, that sounds like good news.

 

[skippy]

I just got off the phone with the dealer and they said it sounds like the actuator on the front axle is bad and i might be wrong but i dont think the 3rd gen dodges had the acuator like the second gen trucks did similar to the vacuum disconnect on the front of alot of the jeep front axles......can somone verify this i would just go look at the truck but im at work

 

[bryson]

Your truck doesn't have an actuator on the front axle. I promise.

Plus you said the fluid was low and sludgy... the problem is in the t-case.

 

[skippy]

I know its the T-case I just need to convince them of that i go in tomorrow at 1:30 so wish me luck and thanks for your help everyone

 

[skippy]

So i just got back from dropping it off at the dealership so now it is just a waiting game...............

 

[sixb]

I sure hope they stand behind there word there for you Skippy,as YOU and I both know that is getting more & more rare these days there SKIPPY. Good luck!!

 

[UNSTUCK]

I hope it works out for you, but I can't figure out how it lasted a month with no oil in it. You'd be lucky to make it home from the dealership with no oil. There's no way I would warranty it based on that alone. Again, good luck.