Picked up an IX, doing standard maintenace, have questions...

[greenbeem93]

Is there a way to tell if the chain in the sole problem in the Tcase? If I drop the tcase, take it apart, what will visually tell me that the chain is too loose? I figure if the VC is blow, then there would be fluid gunked up all over the inside.

[Alkasquawlik]

yeah, the metal socket kind are the only ones worth anything. plastic wrenches, har har.. just don't use one to put it back on!

just hand tightened it ;)

[nando]

yeah, the metal socket kind are the only ones worth anything. plastic wrenches, har har.. just don't use one to put it back on!

[Alkasquawlik]

Yeah, I got a tool to remove it from the top, between the headers, worked like a charm.

I got the strap on oil wrench... the thing kept slipping and couldn't get a grip on it.
I got a plastic socket type oil wrench...i stripped that.
I finally got it off by using a metal socket type and it still was a huge PITA to get it moving.

[greenbeem93]

I have the same problem with the oil filter, it's a bitch.

Yeah, I got a tool to remove it from the top, between the headers, worked like a charm.

[greenbeem93]

when you let the clutch out do you hear constant grinding noise? grinding would indicate slipping chain, no grinding would likely mean bad VC. With a bad VC there should still be some pull, even if its minor.

Yes, I do hear the grinding noise. So basically the VC could still be in decent shape, but there is no movement due to the chain slipping? Hmmmm...

[Alkasquawlik]

I have the same problem with the oil filter, it's a bitch.

[supernaughtIX]

when you let the clutch out do you hear constant grinding noise? grinding would indicate slipping chain, no grinding would likely mean bad VC. With a bad VC there should still be some pull, even if its minor.

[greenbeem93]

Just an update:

Removed the front drive shaft, the splines looked fantastic! Tops were flat, not sharp or rounded off at all. Output splines looked to be in good shape as well, which was surprising due to there being very little to no lube at all. So I lubed up everything and re-installed it. Tried the jack test again praying for different results, but there was no change. I could actually let the clutch all the way out and the car never moved.

One question on having a blown VC: Is the car still 4wd at all? What would happen if the car was driven on snow or ice? Would just the rear wheels spin?

[supernaughtIX]

if your splines and output gear are good, you will be looking for a new(or used) TC. Grinding noises + shavings and crud when draining fluid are not a good combo. Possible chain slipping could be your monster. Might not mean your VC is bad though. If you have the skills and fancy tools it might be possible to Frankenstein a good TC from yours and one with a bad VC. Otherwise you're looking at a buying a good TC. Sorry to hear that.

[greenbeem93]

Jacked it up from the rear. Car didn't move, although, once I heard the grinding, I clutched in.

I'll check out the output gear this weekend, thanks!

[nando]

you can get away with a driveshaft shim for a little while if they are stripped. in any case, pull the front shaft and have a peak at the splines. it's simple - undo the nuts holding the flex disk, use a flathead to pop out the centering pin (it's between the flex disk and shaft, there's a small slot where the screwdriver goes). the shaft pulls out.

if the splines in the case are good, you can just get a new shaft. however, if the splines in the case are damaged too, the output gear needs replaced. a used and working t-case may be a good idea in this case.

despite the grinding noise, did the car move? did you jack from the rear or the front?

[greenbeem93]

Ok, I filled up the t-case and did the washer drive shaft mod. Then I proceeded to do the jack test, and I could hear grinding, sounded like the splines were slipping.

What are my options? New/refurbed drive shaft? New T-case? Both?

Thanks

[ZM Blue Devil]

will be parting a low mile 4 door ix next week do to an accident, drop me a pm if interested in hrs/billys or any other parts you may need.

[greenbeem93]

okay that's good.

as far as the cover, it's probably not slid all the way back as far as it can go. It should completely cover the splines, it will "snap" into place once it's all the way back.

Good to know!