new transfer case purchase questions

[LShummer]

My transfer case needs replaced on my base model 2007 H3. I would like to upgrade to the 4494/NR6 with the 4:1 low range. I will be buying a rebuilt one. The NR6 is a direct bolt-in correct? What about electrical plugs? Anybody have any suggestions where to purchase, Evolution Driveline came up on the internet; don't know anything about them. Thanks for any advice, Randy.

 

[alrock]

It's a direct bolt in, including electrical, and a great swap to do. As for where to purchase, I don't have specific recommendations but I would recommend one with a good warranty and good customer service reviews. Will you be doing the work? I bring this up as Rascole purchased one and had issues, and I think it went back and forth two or three times, meaning two or three installations. Hopefully he chimes in.

If you're handy, you might consider doing the rebuild yourself and there are others here that can guide you on that.

BTW, Rapid City is such a cool town!

 

[LShummer]

It's a direct bolt in, including electrical, and a great swap to do. As for where to purchase, I don't have specific recommendations but I would recommend one with a good warranty and good customer service reviews. Will you be doing the work? I bring this up as Rascole purchased one and had issues, and I think it went back and forth two or three times, meaning two or three installations. Hopefully he chimes in.

If you're handy, you might consider doing the rebuild yourself and there are others here that can guide you on that.

BTW, Rapid City is such a cool town!

I will be doing the work, but do not have the time for a rebuild right now, just an install, so I would like to purchase a rebuilt transfer case. Thanks for the reply.

 

[Jeepwalker]

Unless you do heavy-duty rock crawling or have pretty big meats ...the 4:1 is a PITA IMO. I would rather have the 2:1 for normal trail use. It's too low for normal low range use like in snow, pulling vehicles out of ditches, etc. Plus it jerks the vehicle a lot during shifting. Those are nit-picks and purely my opinion, I know, but something to think about. I guess you can always swap back if you didn't care for it.

But, if a guy does more extreme off-roading or Moab-like rock crawling, or steep mountain trail descents, the 4:1 comes in real handy there. I'm sure you've weighed the plusses and minuses. Would have been great if GM put in a 3-speed transfer case (dreaming).. LOL

Good luck with the swap..

 

[LShummer]

Appreciate the thoughts, I ordered the BG4494/NR6 rebuilt today. Cost was $1470 with shipping both ways and tax. I wanted the lower gears, I run a 33 inch tire now, but would like 35's, wish the elusive Rancho lift kit would show up somewhere. As resourceful as people are on the internet, can't believe somebody hasn't figured out a front end lift solution for the H3 with some donor A-arms and knuckles from something else.

 

[Jeepwalker]

There are a number of SAS conversion videos, etc ..and posts here. IDK how their H3's handle after that. Probably ok if done right. The aluminum front diff (on most) is kind of a weak point ...at a certain point but 35' should be ok. Unless yours has the cast iron front diff..

 

[LShummer]

SAS conversion a little more than I want to get into, a Rancho lift would be more my speed.

 

[Jeepwalker]

I hear ya... I bet a lot of guys would like that too.

Probably not enough H3 owners out there now to even consider making a kit...

 

[LShummer]

There are a number of SAS conversion videos, etc ..and posts here. IDK how their H3's handle after that. Probably ok if done right. The aluminum front diff (on most) is kind of a weak point ...at a certain point but 35' should be ok. Unless yours has the cast iron front diff..

What years or models had the cast iron front diff, might keep my eye out if there stronger? Also, what's the best route to go with the mounts, on the crossmember for upgrades?

 

[rascole]

I had issues with a reman TC a couple of years ago. Took 3 cases before they got it right, first 2 had a lot of bearing material after 50 miles of driving, last one both front and rear seals were missing, then they did me a solid favor and told me to keep the last TC because they were not going to rebuild them any more. The 4:1 is a great TC and worth every cent. Change the TC oil every 10k miles or every year. It will thank you. If you want a Rancho lift, they are long gone unless you buy a trail ready rig like Alrock's.

 

[Jeepwalker]

Alpha's had the cast iron front diffs.

Did I ever tell you guys how I once took a family trip from WI to the black hills (You're area LSHummer!) and back ...~2000 miles of driving. Many years ago. Saw all the sights. ...With almost no oil in the transfer case?! LOL You see... I had checked the fluids before we left EXCEPT the transfer case (because it was raining outside). Now remember it's an 11hr straight shot back at interstate speeds. Flat driving. When I got home I went right out & checked the xfer oil level cause it was bugging me. None. I pulled the drain plug and about 3 tablespoons of oil drizzled out into the pan very slowly. I'm like whoops! Didn't even have enough to make a 6" wide puddle. LOL. There wasn't any grinding or noise. This was a Jeep Grand Cherokee Gen1 with a NP242.

My wife had to go to work the next morning so I put fluid in and sent her off. Replaced with new fluid in about a week. No shavings, or flakes ...it looked good. I figured the Xfer case was on borrowed time and I might be sticking a used on in its place. At that point the vehicle had like 270k miles on it. At about 300k miles I got ambitious one day, removed and split the transfer case b/c I wanted to see how blue the gears inside were. To my utter surprise she looked brand new. There was not a single scored or discolored gear or shaft. Chain looked good. Seals were fine. I did not see any pitting of bearing races, etc. I've re-done a handful of transfer cases over the years ...and a bunch of manual tranny's. I know problems when I see them. The savings grace is the oil pump pick-up is at the Very Bottom of the transfer case. And I figure the chain must sling enough oil around ...even atomize it to a certain degree.

So, on mine, I put it all back together..I think I replaced the front driveshaft seal b/c I think there might have been a slow leak there....and we ran the vehicle for another 30k miles till we replaced the vehicle. It never did fail, nor did anything else on that jeep (except the rear pinion bearing (common)...which I replaced). Just an interesting story there... Since then I'm extra vigilant not overlooking certain things.