Transfer case chain slack?

[david85]

Is there a general guideline for chain slack in a Borg Warner 1356 transfer case? I have a spare that I'm about to refresh and swap into my truck. No known problems with the current one in the truck but since it's being used more and more for exploring the back country, I figure I should make sure I know what I have in there.

I see plenty of videos and instructions on how to teardown and reassemble a transfer case, but I'm coming up short on this question of allowable chain slack. Any opinions on this?

 

[franklin2]

Google AI says 1/2 inch to 1 inch

 

[XOLATEM]

IMHO I would guess that as long as your T-case was never run low on lubricant you probably are ok with your original chain unless 4x4 was used a lot during its life.

By "used a lot" I mean over half of the total miles accumulated...and/or 4x4 was used towing really heavy loads.

I built a lot of TFC's mainly because of my distrusting the plastic fork pads lasting much longer than the transmissions the units were bolted to.

It was better to have both units freshened up at the same time instead of having a TFC go bad and have somebody blame my rebuild of the trans.

This only applies to the New Process and Borg Warner aluminum case units...not the iron case behemoths...with those I would look into a new chain.

I only replaced one or two chains in the newer units but, looking back, they probably were ok...just, for whatever reason I thought that it was better to put a new chain in there.

But...that was before chinese-made stuff started flooding our market...

And...in the market I was working there were no mountains or steep logging trails...probably most of the jobs I did...the truck owner hardly ever used 4x4. YMMV.

Look up 'Hy-Vo' and see if a new chain will give you a warm and fuzzy...

HTH

 

[david85]

The transfer case currently in my truck came out of a pickup that was used in the logging industry. Lots of hills in this area as well. Then it spent some 13 years in my truck as little more than a Hi/Low unit, since I had no front drive axle. I’m mostly doing this for peace of mind since everything else in the truck has already been checked or overloaded at least once. And a free transfer case came into my possession recently, so why not? I also have a cast iron 4r100 extension housing that I’ll put in at the same time.

 

[IDIBRONCO]

My uneducated opinion here is that you should replace it just to be safe unless it seems like it's practically new. You'll already be in there anyway and if you have problems later, after you've reused this chain, you'll really be kicking yourself for not replacing it earlier.

 

[Black dawg]

Have been in lots of 1356 transfer cases. Never replaced a chain in one, even pickups used hard with chains on the front almost daily all winter. Really all that ever happens to them is either the pump bracket breaks, or wears through the holder in the case. Even that isnt usually noticed until they start shifting poorly or popping out of gear from the shift pads getting melted from lack of oil.

A quick external check to see if the pump is still being held by the case ears, is to rotate the output yoke back and forth. You will hear the noise the pump bracket makes as it comes in contact with the ears.

 

[david85]

Well folks, what do you figure? Run it or replace it?

 

[trackspeeder]

I wouldn't be afraid to run it.

 

[Nero]

Looks like a few pieces are missing...
Run it, lol

 

[XOLATEM]

Is the output shaft moving when you pull the chain to the case..? That would give you a false impression.

It would be good to have a helper hold the shaft steady while you are SWAG-ing the chain wear.

I used to scribe the inside of the case while pushing the chain in and then scribe it again while pulling it out and then measure the slack.

Looks like a Morse chain...I wonder where they are manufactured now...?

I have a problem with chinesium parts...I avoid them whenever I can.

Yeah, I know...everything is made there now...but I still look for previously reputable manufacturers...

I took a hard stand with milwaukee tools a few years ago...just out of shock, bewilderment, anger, and principle....in that order...

I had bought a 4 1/2 inch angle grinder from my welding supplier...and then realized that it was made in china...

I didn't use it and then eventually put it back in the box and returned it...

Ticked off the supplier and they canceled my account...no more credit account...

It was just as well...no skin off my nose....and from then on I don't buy milwaukee tools....they can go eff themselves...

That was the last straw....

Sorry...did not mean to hijack the subject...but I was just trying to illustrate a point about what could happen if you can't get a decently manufactured chain anymore...I don't know at the moment but I would be curious to know who is manufacturing TFC chains these days...

I find it hard to trust these days...

If the chains are made here, or in Sweden, Germany, or even Turkey...I would not have a beef with them...

Just my .02

 

[david85]

Is Morse a good chain? You’re correct about the shafts leaning in slightly. The slack is almost half when holding them roughly parallel.

Finding a good oem chain would be the other issue, for the reasons you already mentioned…which is why I asked the original question. Sounds like I’ll be running this chain based on all the feedback here.

Over the years I’ve learned to appreciate used parts that were well made. New parts are a crap shoot. Refurbished are generally the worst unless you’re on a first name basis with the man doing the work.

 

[XOLATEM]

Is Morse a good chain?

I really could not tell you other than I believe that I saw that name on a lot of OEM chains that I re-installed when I freshened up TFC's for a lot of folks.

Any used chain is going to be tough to get squeaky-clean with hand-washing methods...not that it really matters...just sayin'...TFC's are more forgiving when it comes to cleanliness.

Back in the late 80's I had heard of a transmission shop in Williamsburg Va. that used a dishwasher to clean their transmission parts before they rebuilt them...I imagine those folks are long gone...I had to chuckle then...most any self-respecting shop had a big, industrial parts washer...

I wouldn't be afraid to run it.

after seeing your picture of the slack and then cutting the slack in half I am going to agree with the guy above that lives and breathes massive, masculine machinery.

Looks like a few pieces are missing...
Run it, lol

I have a lot of respect for his opinion, too...I believe he has been in the trenches for a long time and has seen a lot and knows from which he speaks.

Have been in lots of 1356 transfer cases.

This guy also has a lot of experience...I would offer to pay him for a consultation if I needed one...much like seeing a doctor or lawyer...with the added bonus that I would trust that his advice comes from a place that only wants to truly help, not just make a few bucks...

My uneducated opinion here is that you should replace it just to be safe unless it seems like it's practically new. You'll already be in there anyway and if you have problems later, after you've reused this chain, you'll really be kicking yourself for not replacing it earlier.

If it wasn't for the prospect of buying a new, but chinese chain...this would have been my philosophy and main driving force with everything that I ever worked on....actually...it was my driving force the whole time I fixed stuff for other people...I just had to, from experience, figure out which parts would do the job and those parts that would not.

@IDIBRONCO is one of those people that I would have been grateful to have as a neighbor.

Over the years I’ve learned to appreciate used parts that were well made. New parts are a crap shoot. Refurbished are generally the worst unless you’re on a first name basis with the man doing the work.

This is generally my opinion as well...it is nice to see that there are sensible, like-minded people out there driving older Ford Trucks.

I had a farmer tell me one time that, if he ever had a water pump, alternator, or some such go bad he would take it off and have someone rebuild the original part....made sense to me when I pondered it.

Thanks for the posting you wrote about making your own coupling for the up-pipe on your turbo...brilliant and innovative.

Sooner or later I am going to try it...need a lathe and a foot pedal.

Anyway...good luck on it and keep the shiny side up out there....

Just my .02

 

[IDIBRONCO]

.good luck on it and keep the shiny side up out there....

Huh? What's that?

 

[XOLATEM]

Huh? What's that?

OK....the shiny-er side up...I stand corrected...

I get a kick outta that trailer every time I see it....that thing is cool...

 

[IDIBRONCO]

I get a kick outta that trailer every time I see it....that thing is cool...

They're easy to build. All you need is a donor truck.