np229

[mad dog]

I'm new to this type of transfer case, I've been having problems with 2 high. I own an 85 GRW when I put it into drive it grinds and clunks. It goes fine in reverse and 4 high. I have taken my transmission and transfer case out I am rebuilding the transmission, I was just wondering if there is anyway to check the transfer case while I have it out without taking it apart. I also noticed that the T.C. was low on fluid and that the vacum shift was not working properly. I would still like to know that everything is in good mechanical shape before I put it back in the wagoneer. Thanks for any help

[Marc_01]

Only thing I know of is to stick your finger in the drain hole and see if you can feel some metal shavings.

My case ran on low oil and fried a bearing, it ran fine but would clank and clunk once in a while.

Since you will have it off, just pop the case open and check it out.

[89grand]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Marc_01:
[QB]Only thing I know of is to stick your finger in the drain hole and see if you can feel some metal shavings.

Should this be done while driving or only when parked?

[mad dog]

The only thing I'm worried about is that if I split the case, will abunch of parts fall out? I really don't want to mess with it, if it is not broke.
I'm getting rid of the vacuum shift I'm going to use a choke control cable to shift it from 2-to-4 wheel drive. It does not have lines going to the front axle. Is this a bad idea?

Has anybody ever rebuilt one of these and if so how complicated was it?

[Joe Guilbeau]

Your mode range and rod range should be adjusted, it is not being fully engaged and the vacuum or lack of it certainly does not help.

Those stupid shift forks...

[mad dog]

Thanks that is what I was kind of thinking, but like I said I'm new to this type of transfer case.

How dependable is the Np 229, I'm not going to use it for rough ridding just for pulling a boat and small camper. The only time I need 4 wheel is at the boat launch and once in awhile in the snow, and mud.

[Kimbrough]

Check for vacuum leaks too!
The 229 needs good vacuum to shift correctly. Follow the vac lines from the switch on the dash to the t-case and look for cracks and listen for hissing noises. Don't forget there are 2 plastic vac lines that run ON TOP of the t-case just under the floor where the trans tunnel is.

[Rockwagon]

Mine also had those symtons just before the VC (viscuss coupler) exploded it is what allows you to run 4 hi on pavment.

[Bob Barry]

Originally posted by mad dog:
The only thing I'm worried about is that if I split the case, will abunch of parts fall out? I really don't want to mess with it, if it is not broke.
I'm getting rid of the vacuum shift I'm going to use a choke control cable to shift it from 2-to-4 wheel drive. It does not have lines going to the front axle. Is this a bad idea?

Has anybody ever rebuilt one of these and if so how complicated was it?I've rebuilt the transfer-case before; the only thing I had to have a tranny shop do is press in the sun-gear bushing and hone it to fit on the shaft.

The viscous coupler is a non-rebuildable item that must be replaced as a unit, however, at a cost of $350. (ouch!)

If you convert to cable-operation, a choke cable won't be stiff enough. Try a snow-plow control cable instead. I've heard NAPA carries them, though I've never really looked for one myself.

And yes, if you don't pull things apart carefully, a LOT of really small needle-bearings will go all over the frakin' place. AMHIK. Get a manual with the rebuild procedures, split the case with the back-end facing up (I build a holding fixture out of a 2"x12" board; cost about $5, but saved endless frustration!), and don't just go pulling up on the mainshaft. That's where all the non-captive needle-bearings reside, and it's not intuitive what you can and cannot lift up without playing 206-needle-bearing pickup.

[Jeepadilly]

Do your front wheel hubs have aftermarket locking hubs? Having the hubs in free when you engage the 4H will cause all sorts of s##t to happen inside the 229
Regards
Brian

[ffej]

And the 229 is a dependable TC for what you need it for!

[mad dog]

Thanks everyone for your input, I've been rebuilding the transmission. It really isn't that bad of a job as long as you take your time and clean, clean, clean. I quess my best bet is to go ahead and take the transfer case apart and check it. It is out of the truck and I would rather make sure everything is working before I put it back in.

Jeepadilly, it is all original, has the auto front hubs. I have also heard lock outs will raise heck with the T.C. if your not carefull.

Bob Barry, thanks for the cable info, that was a concern of mine. Like I said I think I will go ahead and pull the case apart, thanks for the tip on putting it into a 2 by 12.

[FYR WOOD]

yea...I've had two 229's with those symptoms right before the VC goes kaboom. Swap in a 208 and forget it.

Scott