My transfer case had started making a noise and was rattling so today I decided I was gonna take it out and put a new one in but when I went to drain the fluid, there was None at all. Not a drop. My question is, could the noise and rattle be from just simply having no fluid? Or do I need a whole new case? Happy to answer any questions you have to get a clear idea of what’s happening

 

Well it wouldn't hurt to try putting fluid in it, but I can't see it making a recovery from a lack of lubrication like that.

 

You could get lucky.

I'd like to make a suggestion. Whenever you change your oil, check the levels of the transfer case and the front and rear axles.

 

I have a transfer case that only had 1/2 quart...drained & refilled with approx 2 quarts..... Let us know how you made out with filling your transfer case.....Hopefully you were able to save it.......

 

It never ceases to amaze me how this stuff can happen.

 

I work on all kinds of equipment from small to large. Darn near all of the problems are due to lack of maintenance.

 

No doubt.

First thing to do when acquiring any vehicle or machine is to assess the fluid levels and condition. Bare minimum.
If the new owner can't do it, pay someone to do it!!

 

"If the new owner can't do it, pay someone to do it!! "
And don't complain about how much it costs. I tell them You Tube and forums are your friends.

 

Cruiser....in my case if you recall, I was reunited with my 88 xj which I ordered new, in 88.... ( at the time 4.3, four door S Blazers were the rage, & boy didn't I hear about buying a Cherokee) I sold to an aquaitance in 1991.... which they used for 30 years....long story short, it was used daily, summer & NY winters,....Rust? this Jeep gives a new meaning to rust..... to the point where it broke down in 2021 from a faulty fuel pump, & you know my fuel pump saga.....It was headed for scrap, which was the right decision, but my attachment to it, would not let me let that happen.....I too am amazed how vehicles can get neglected even from mechanically inclined people, but when one reaches the ripe old age of 84, maintenance on a transfer case is not on the top if the list....... I am undertaking a project that very few would....A few reminder pics attached....How about that backing plate? You should have seen that grenade mess in the brake drum from the missing shoe retaining pin.....So this is how some things happen..................

Either to scrap or reunite

When new in 1988

Got Rust ???



Nothing to say about this......

 

Yours is a whole different story. Understandable.

 

Unfortunately the days of 'Service Stations' have gone by the way of the dinosaur....& for old timers like myself, its hard to come to terms with it......Quick oil change places, that can barely do that....& dealer incentives of free tire rotation...that do nothing but distort the lug threads from speed of an impact gun.....The savior are forums of guys who have similar interests that can bounce things off of....either that we don't know, or forgot..... Forgetting is happening more often than I like....Checking the level of a transfer case is about as simple as it gets, but...all to often it doesn't happen.....I am grateful for the advice & learning I get from forums as there are far more experts on here than me....Thanks for all the help...........

 

Thanks for being such an inspiration!!