Borg Warner 4405 rebuild vs reman ?

[Ionizer]

Sounds like the transfer case for my 98 4.0 SOHC with 160,000 miles is on its way out. Last few times I've tried to engage 4x4 it grinds, I'll throw it in nuetral then it will slip in.

A few months ago the auto 4x4 turned itself on during a rainy night and it made one hell of a racket.

Fresh fluid is in there but it's got a slow leak on the case.

I read about the rebuilt case halves from Omega. Looks like about $500 for the halves, shifter fork, and range slider.

Saw a reman unit from RETECH (UMT428M) for $850.

I doubt I'll do the labor myself with either unit. The cost of the reman unit would be saved in additional labor. That issue aside and just thinking of reliability/longevity which route is the best to pursue?

I'm planning to keep this explorer going for many more years. Although the 4x4 only gets used a few times a year on average.

If I decide on the reman unit is there any danger of letting it go till it dies? When it fails does it affect 2WD as well and disable the vehical completely?

 

[drdoom]

If you are not doing the work yourself get the reman if you don't mind the logistics. You may even get a warranty. And when it goes you will lose high range completely. In effect it will be in neutral and the parking pawl in the transmission will have no effect even. You should still get low range, so that will get you off the road, and engage park. YMMV

 

[Ionizer]

Thanks, I have decided to go with a reman. Any recommendations on a company. Anybody have experience with the RETECH available from rockauto? It comes with a 3 year warranty.

Planning to ride the current case out till it blows or 200,000 miles but want parts on hand for when the time comes.