The rear differential is more in line with the common problems that i read about. I never have heard about the xfr case going out on these X's, but these are still new, 2nd gens being older might have more failures.
When my first xfr case failed in my jeep, the vibs were at about 70mph for a few months, i didn't worry too much about it, the front output shaft had play too 1-2mm. About a year later in 4wd it started to grind and make a wizzing noises so i took it in. After putting in the reman the vibs were gone. Second one had vibs to for over a year then it stopped shifting, after the rebuild the vibs were gone. The vibs didn't feel major, more like a round rollie thing out of balance, i could feel it in my seat of pants, it didn't feel like it was more front or back or left or right , just kinda in the middle, i could also feel it in the shifter. Its hard to tell without driving it, . . .but he sounds right.
A while back i was checking for a rebuild kits they are expensive, basic kit was $250 and that was without R&P. R&P run another $200. When i was getting my trans rebuilt the RO guy quoted me $1500 to regear 3.73s and add a truetrac ($400 itself). With you being in Zeeland, i don't think there is a shop on every corner. . it would be a little high for detroit area but it sounds fair considering your location. It sounds like he is doing a good job for you.
If funds are really limited - by way last week i was holding a 3.73 LSD out of an '04 when i was at the junkyard.
I work for a freight company called ProLogistics, white tractors, yellow trailers. .
feel free to shot me a pm.
