Removing Front Driveshaft with AWD

[zimm814]

I Have a 2002 mercury mountaineer AWD, removed front driveshaft to diagnose problems. After removing front driveshaft went for drive and 1st gear does not respond well but after the rmp goes up and kicks into 2nd it is fine and drives perfect. I need to know if this is damaging my TC or anything else and is it drivable???

 

[sulaco83]

Opinions seem to differ on this subject. Some say that you can drive in this manner for extended periods without damaging the transfer case, and plenty of others have said that doing it will eventually fry your viscous coupling.

From what you are saying, I wonder if the problems in first gear are related to the VC possibly slipping.

When I bought my Ex, it was missing the transfer case. I did not experience and issues with first gear like the one you mentioned. Besides not having power to the front wheels, shifting was no different.