Unattached hose from transfer case

[96ExplorerSLC]

Hi list,

LATE Saturday evening, while changing the brakes in my 96 4WD Explorer, I noticed a hose hanging down just behind the front axle. It appears to come out of the top of the front transfer case. It has what looks to me to be some sort of plastic valve at the free end. I gave up searching for a place to reattach it after 20 minutes lying on my back with a flash light. Can anyone tell me where it should go? I do not have a manual, nor could I find any reference to one online. Thanks in advance for any help.

-pch

 

[Turdle]

That is a vent hose, and it does indeed connect to the top of the transfer case--

 

[DeRocha]

As mentioned its a vent hose.. One end attaches to the axle or diff and the other end is free or has a vent cap on it like you mentioned.. its purpose is to vent gas and relieve internal pressure from the front axle/diff as it heats up.. If this hose were to get plugged then the diff could overheat causing leakage at the axle and or diff seals.