NP231 T-Case Exploded at 70 MPH
 

2000 Cherokee SE, 4.0L.

I had replaced the u-joints on the rear shaft earlier this year...but I didn't bother with the front ones because I wasn't using 4WD every day...I think that may have been a mistake.

When I say exploded I mean it literally exploded the part of the case that housed the front drive shaft yoke off of the vehicle and onto the highway.

Front drive shaft and yoke was hanging from the chain.

When I removed the front driveshaft to get the Cherokee pulled home I noticed the front U-joint bearing cap and pin bearings were completely rusted up.

My question is whether or not you think I may have toasted the transmission too?

I just smelled the fluid and it smelled burnt.

It's still full but it definitely smells burnt.

Next question, should I be able to just replace U-joints on front drive shaft and it will be good to go?

In hindsight the vibrations and shaking in the week leading up to this event should have caused me more alarm. I thought it could be that my tires had become unbalanced. It turns out I'm pretty sure that was my front U-joint telling me it was a goner.

Yes...Luckily I was only three miles from home on some low traffic two lane roads.

Trans should be fine. Might wanna get that front shaft too. Couldve damaged the splines inside. Damn, I had one that someone hit me head on and blew the tcase apart. I was lifted on 33s. Front axle took the hit. Easy swap it.

Well, the fluid smells burnt and I can't get it to move currently.

I start it and put it in gear but it doesn't move.

The front shaft has been disconnected but as far as I know it should still be able to move under it's own power.

Right?

I'll have to dig into the gaping wound that is my transfer case tomorrow to see if my hypothesis is correct.

If the transfer case literally exploded I doubt that front or rear is going to have any drive. They're kind of connected in there you know

I was just thinking about this today. I'll remove the shattered carcass of the t-case today and see if the output shaft from the trans moves when I put it in gear.

Thanks for the suggestion.