More Transfer case questions

[Chief Gunner]

So this evening, I pulled the transfer case out of the Jeep. A buddy and I pulled the case apart expecting to see the chain in pieces. What we found instead was thousands of needle bearing all over the place. Also, it looks like the tail shaft bearing came apart, and possibly some of the bearings are somewhere in the case. We don't have the case completely apart just yet, but once we have it apart, hopefully we will find the missing bearings. Now the problem we are running into right now, is the time it will take to put everything back together. I know there are some exploded diagrams for the 228 floating around, does anyone have a copy the can send me, or point me in the right direction? Also, just a shot in the dark, but other then "a lot" Does anyone one know how many needle bearings are in the case? Just curious at this point.

[Dirt Wag]

Here's some stuff on the 229 if that helps >>>> http://oljeep.com/edge_tcase.html

[Chief Gunner]

Thats a huge help, thanks.

[Dirt Wag]

Just thought of something else.

I believe if you take a PERFECTLY GOOD 228/229 apart the same thing will happen ---- needle bearings will fall out all over the place.

I've never done it but I think I read it somewhere ---- someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

[Carnuck]

That is correct. They didn't cage the needle bearings between the input and output shafts

[wag4x6]

We knew that the needle bearings would fall out, just didn't realize there are 500 of them. We did find when we pulled the tail shaft housing off that the output shaft support bearing was broken.

[Chief Gunner]

I found a shop in San Diego that will clean and re-assemble my transfer case with a new chain and new bearing for $305. In my opinion, that is a great deal not to have to worry about all those needle bearings and ensure that it goes back together correctly. In case anyone was wondering, there are 217 needle bearings in the 228/ 229 case.