So my dad and I checked tried to figure out where the mesterious clanking noise is coming from. And after awhile of searching but not really finding out the exact location other than around the transfer case, he told me I shouldn't worry too much about it since it's not grinding and it's only during start up, he said that it wasn't a "death noise". He also said to just watch the noise and if it's more pronounce and is going on while I drive then we'll look more into it.
Thanks for the suggestions though!

 

Mine used to do that when the transfer case crossmember absorber blew out and it was metal on metal.

 

I feel like that may be why, cause in the middle of my crossmember there are two holes for bolts, and these holes have threads, but there is nothing above it. Where are the absobers located by any chance?

 

The absorber is the actual Tranny/Tcase cross member mount. Its litterally right above the cross member under the tranny/tcase. Also the clanking noise could be a stretched chain. Mines made a constant clanking noise when my chain stretched out too much.

 

But wouldn't it clank all the time? Mine only clanks on start up and I haven't noticed it clanking any other time..

 

Check that mount. If it needs bolts. Find some and see what happens.

 

Yeah but my dad put his hands above the bolt holes and there was nothing.
I have another question now. I'm thinking of changing out the tranny and transfer case oil and I just want to make sure I'll do it right. I should get some valvoline dexIII/merc for both the tranny and t case. How many quarts do I need in total? And then when I do the tranny I've read that I shouldn't drop the pan because it will hurt my tranny more than help it. Is this correct. I'm coming close to 160k and it's a aw4 mated to a np242. Thanks

 

You can just pull the plug on the tranny and drain it. Refill it. Somewhere around 3 quarts. Follow the instructions on the dipstick. Transfer case takes the same Dex-III fluid. Don't listen to the old wives tales about changing fluid at high mileage on an AW4. You'll be fine.

 

This is what I just got. It's right, correct?

 

Hard to read but does it say Dex III in that photo?

 

Detailed Description

Designed to protect and prolong the life of automatic transmissions

Helps provide smooth shift performance where DEXRON®-III or a MERCON® fluid is specified. Greater friction stability to help maintain consistent shift performance. Excellent protection against wear and high-temperature breakdown. Meets new tests for wear protection and shudder resistance. Resists thickening due to high temperature. Recommended for use in GM, Ford, Mazda, Toyota and other import vehicles

 

Go for it.

 

Okay, thanks for the help.