Transfer Case Problem 98 5.0

[jimstix66]

My 98 XLT with 231,000 miles is making a loud clicking sound almost like when a half shaft goes but my mechanic tells me it's the transfer case.

It doesn't make the sound ALL the time but alot. My mechanic who I do trust said I'm looking at $700-$800 total and that's if I can even find a used transfer case.

I have no idea what to look for or what I should really be paying. The truck is in really good shape for the year and mileage especially being here in MA and I believe the motor should be good for a good while longer. However, I always said I'd stop fixing it when it became catastrophic like a motor or tranny and I'm starting to wonder if the transfer case qualifies.

It's getting hard to justify spending the money when I could get another Explorer with less miles for a couple grand but up until now I've gone with the better the Devil I know than the Devil I don't know.

I did find a used one on Craigslist for $250. Is that a good price for one that was just taken out of another Explorer?

Any advice or input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[albi1cnobi1]

You might do better from a salvage yard. $250 is not a bad price, but you don't know what you're getting. I got my t-case from an online parts locator. Linked me to a ton of yards to compare prices and warranties. Got mine for $275 shipped with 3000 mile/90 day warranty. Swapping a t-case is not a hard job at all. 2 people at home in the driveway, 2-2 1/2 hours. 1 person, maybe 3-4 hours.

 

[Cstoliker]

I though 5.0 had AWD not 4WD?

 

[albi1cnobi1]

The AWD cases are pretty plentiful as well.

 

[imp]

I though 5.0 had AWD not 4WD?

I thought this, too, am still not sure, but it's possible while V-8s were normally shipped with AWD, one could order with usual 4X4 transfer case.

In any event, the AWD transfer case is a far simpler mechanism, not having movable gears and parts, etc., but of course is still prone to the same failures as any: bearings fail, drive chain, etc. imp

 

[Cstoliker]

Never understood why they did that. Pretty lame. You can have the more powerfull V8 but, you can't take it off road. we want to have the cake and eat it too.

 

[JCat]

Jim,

You bot this truck for your daughter and now you have discovered this ^ problem and also a overheating problem (another thread).

IMO you have bot a vehicle that is going to be a headache for the whole time you own it.

I would seriously consider getting a better vehicle for her.