Why is this hole in my transfer case?

[tito]

http://www.fullsizejeeps.com/jeeps/files/Parts-Junkyards/tcase.jpg

The hole is the silver circle on the left end of the ridge, the rear output housing is just to the left of the ridge. The picture is of the passenger side of the tcase. I'm trying to find out what was in the hole before.

There's no threads and a smaller hole at the bottom of it. The hole was plugged, but now fluid is squirting out at the rate of 2 quarts in a 1 block test drive.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

[dnixon]

WOW that doesn't look right at all.. It kind of looks like someone tried to ghetto fab a fill hole or something to that effect.. that doesn't look right at all.. I would suggest just trying to plug it the best you can.. but I think you might want to find another T/C... What kind is it? I am assuming a 229.

[Cliff]

My brother had this same problem with his 88. He gently tapped the hole and plugged it. Worked fine ever since.

[gsmikie]

small freeze plug........

[Joe Guilbeau]

My '83 has the same unit, it looks like a NP229, mine has a "Plug Assembly" called out for that spot.

Just plug it up, and you will be fine.

[tito]

Thanks for the responses. Yep, it's a 229. I'm glad to hear no one thinks some pivot shaft or locating pin came loose and fell into the tcase.

After driving for 3 years, the hole decided to spew all the fluid out. Didn't realize it until I noticed a whirring, dry chain sound (a benefit of riding old Harleys) started about 60 miles from home.

What signs should I look for to indicate damage other than slipping and grinding? If it's ok on the street, should it be okay on the trails or is it now weakened?

Why would someone put a freeze plug in a tcase?

Thanks for any replies.

Tito

[dnixon]

well i would try it in 4 wheel drive.. the VC in the 229's go out pretty easy and are VERY expensive to replace. You won't go anywhere when you are in 4 wheel drive if the VC is blown... but you will still be able to putt around in 2 wheel drive...

[tito]

SLOwag,

Thanks for the info. I plugged it temporarily last night and 2WD seems okay even though I didn't go over 50mph. The big question remains about 4WD and 4LO. We'll see.

Tito

[shadowfax101]

I think SLOwag might have it backwards. When my VC went out in my 229 it would not get around in 2Wd, but it would go in 4WD. When the VC goes out, it will not even hold park in 2 wd.
I could be wrond though