1994 Gmc Sierra Transfercase Question

Alright, my TransCase on my 94 Sierra need to be repaired or replaced, my mechanic told me i need a new trans case chain because it's stretching itself further then it should? And, he had told me it was a normal issue with these trucks, i called a few places and im getting the same quote about $250 id be putting it on myself, but i have a few questions befor, a friend of mine has a 700R4 trans from his S10 would this trans case fit my 4L60E? Would it benifit me more if i find a used trans case at $250 or just have him install the new chain and whatever other parts for about the same price ? Or is it not that hard to install a new chain and whatever other componates that would be needed to fix the transfercase, like if a beginner to moderate mechanic could i fix it myself and save some cash there..

The truck is up for sale right now, and i dout i'll sell it for what im asking with this problem so i need a fix either way .

So any and all help is appreciated


marsal

What problems are you having with the T-Case? Is the chain hitting the case?

I ended up replacing the chain and seals on my 90 K1500. The chain was $65 and new seals was around $35 and I got the parts from Rockauto.com.

I needed some help getting it back in since it is an awkward angle. I also had to get a new gasket from a tranny shop since I could not find one online.

Rebuilding the T-case is not too bad. The hardest part from me was getting everything lined up putting the 2 halves back together.

The interesting part was that I expected the old chain to be more worn out that it was. It really was not as loose as I thought it would be. In my case, the front seal was leaking real back so it made sense to rebuilt the T-case while I had it out.

//2000CAYukon

We'll what's going on is, when im in 4x4 the truck starts to make this weird 'thump' sound which at first i was told by one shop it was my Diff, i changed that, we'll come to find out its not and a more repitable * sp * shop told me the trans case was going bad which was something that i honestly figured was the problem , and it only happens when im under mid to high acc if i just let the truck idle as it moves and slowly get into the gas it's fine otherwise i hear that stupid thump.


And, since i havn't rebuilt anything "EVER" for my truck/car anything like that i might have to pass since i have a fear of ruining things and having to spend more money to have it fixed. If i get those parts through Rockauto do you think it would be more of a benift for me to just bring it in to the shop, or do you honestly think sumone wit ha novice type of mechanic skill could do this in there garage?

And, if so is there some type of book i could take a look at to maybe give me more of a push to do this myself?

Chi_Town

When I bought my 90 (brand new), I bought all of the factory manuals (www.helminc.com) and that is what I used to rebuild the T-Case.

Do you hear this "thump" in 2wd and 4wd? It would be interesting to see how much play is really in the chain. Truck on jacks, T-case in 4wd high, engine off, how much play do you feel if you rotate the front drive shaft back on forth. This basic loads and unloads the chain. If the chain is streached enough, you should be able to hear it hit the case moving the front drive shaft.

Good Luck,
//2000CAYukon

Just happens while in 4x4 , i'll have to try that let me give that idea a shot and get back to you, i'll try to get to it today but if not will be early this weekend.

Thanks again


Marsal

Ok, if it happens in 4x4 mode, then the chain is probably the issue. I have a vibration when slowing down and I thought (more like hoping) that it was the T-case instead of the tranny. I still drive it but someday, the tranny probably needs to come out for a rebuild.

//2000CAYukon

So do you think i should even bother doing that test? The shop told me the chain was bad..... Now if i where to do it myself do you honestly think it's somthing i could accomplish, i dont have much noledge like i said befor but id like to save a penny anywhere if i could.

Marsal

If you only hear it in 4wd, it is probably the chain but it would not hurt to do the test to be sure. Or just get a second opinion.

Rebuilding the T-case is kind of like rebuilding a standard trans (i.e. shift forks, etc). There is a planatary gear in there as well to get the reduction for 4 wheel low.

It is hard for me to say if this is something you can do or not. Go to this webpage http://www.rsgear.com/transfer.asp and click on 241 for GM under New Process on the right side. This will show you the exploded parts view of your T-Case. Maybe that will help you decide if it is something you want to do.

Here is a link where someone rebuilds a 241C and does a Slip Yoke Eliminator conversion. This will give you a pretty good idea of what is involved to get at the chain. See http://www.jbconversions.com/pages/products/np241/np241c_short_sye.html

//2000CAYukon

After looking at that, i might have to pass on this project just becasue im seriously un sure if i could hangle somthing that is so hands on like this. I was thinking if i should bring it in to somewhere else or just bring it back to my mechanic and tell him to just change the chain and whatever else would need to be changed with it, if i get the parts, what do you feel would be the norma about of hrs to take on this type of project?

And which seals would i need to get? I found the Chain just dont know wher eto find the seals.

Marsal

Being a weekend mechanic, I don't know what the book rate is for rebuilding the T-Case. The chain can probably be replaced without removing it from the truck. Might be a good idea to call around and get some quotes on replacing the chain.

Here is a link for a seal kit (look for part number K208900) http://www.drivetrain.com/transfercasesparts.html#New Process Model 241

//2000CAYukon