So I think my flex late just took a dump (99 Sport, AW4, 155k, never had a single problem.) Was driving along just fine and all of a sudden the revs started creeping higher while my speed started dropping. Got a tow home, popped the inspection cover and found two of the four bolts finger-loose but not backed out yet. Tightened them down good and everything seems okay now, but there's a nasty click when in gear.

I'm pretty good with fixing stuff and doing my own work but living in an apartment now I simply don't have the space or facilities to do anything but the simplest of maintenance jobs. Never really messed with anything more technical than the transfer case, so slushboxes are new to me. Even though this replacement looks fairly straightforward, I'd be grateful to have someone on-hand that knows exactly what they're doing to expedite the process.

So, I was just wondering if there was anyone in the south end area with a garage that would be willing to help pop a new flex plate in as I don't know anyone within an hour's drive of me. I saw a couple of guys that offered in another thread that was started several years ago; hoping they're still around! Seems like a relatively simple fix but labor rates are insane (it'll probably take a shop 2 hours just to figure out how to remove my TnT skid plus a few days of waiting) and of course I just got laid off this week...ugh. Can compensate with food+beer and/or a discount on some parts (I'm part owner of a local online distributor.)

Would love to get this knocked out by this weekend if possible, but no major rush. Let me know if you can help, thanks!

 

Sounds like your transfer case popped out of gear. The linkage tends to need adjustment from time to time. Loose bolts won't stop you from moving. They'd just rattle a lot. ( I've had that happen a few times)

 

The thing is, it wasn't sudden enough to be the t-case. I was driving up a hill and it very gradually went from engagement to nothing. No clunk, no noise, no jerky motion. It also makes that nasty click/rattle noise that only a thin piece of metal can make while stopped in gear or under anything more than a mild load. If it was the t-case, it'd certainly have happened again by now since I haven't touched anything other than those two loose bolts.

Once it disengaged I could sit there for 5 minutes shifting the trans and t-case and nothing I could do would get it going again...except for shutting the engine off and starting it again. Then it would work fine for a mile or so until it would let go once more (did this coming home from work at 2 AM since I was only a few miles away.) Took about 4 or 5 restarts and some route planning so I could coast down some hills to get some free speed. Every symptom and video I've dug up points to the flex plate, particularly the sound that's going on.

 

I don't think a flex plate is to blame. I feel that since it would work after turning it on and off that it almost sounds like a computer problem... But that's just my thought I've had flex plates go out and yes it's ether all or nothing but never a slight chance of hope to get home. Where are you located?

 

I see you live in Tacoma, WA. There is a self serve garage in Kent, WA that is very good. They have a lift, tools, and mechanics on call if you need assistance. You work out payment with the mechanic. I highly recommend this place. It is located about 6 blocks from Riverbend Golf Course behind the Rite Aid bldg.

 

I'm just in Bonney lake and I'm willing to help if you need it. Had my tranny off like 4 times in the last 2 months lol

 

I'm in Tacoma, stadium district.

I'd agree with the computer except for the persisting mechanical noise from the bellhousing area. Also, it drives and shifts fine now ever since I tightened those bolts down and makes no noise except while in gear. That's either a huge coincidence or I don't know what.

Thanks for the suggestions...I'll check 'em out.