Transfer case problem?

ncontrl

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Greeting all, 1st post here!

2008 torrent AWD 3.4L


Out of the blue my car started to make a bad thunking noise as I accelerated.

Thought it was loose lug nuts but they were all tight.

Got it home and put it up on jackstands, put it in drive and the noise seemed to be coming from the transfer case. with all 4 tires off the ground I figured the rear tires would turn but the drive shaft wouldn't move. It seemed like it was trying to catch and turn the shaft but it wasn't happening.

Here is a video of the problem:
https://youtu.be/kv1vpIE1hQg

Any advise on what you might think it is would be much appreciated.
 
have you checked the fluid level, I believe it is separate from the transmission? There were TSB's on the unit leaking.
 
I removed a 13mm bolt on the side of the case. No fluid dripped out. I put a slightly curved wire about an inch in and down the hole and it had fluid on in. This leads me to believe the fluid is just below the threads of the hole. Fluid has a strong odor (not quite how burnt atf smells) but I know this is a different kind of fluid and prob. smells different when it's broken down. the car has 127k miles on it and I doubt the transf case (or tranny) fluids have ever been changed.
 
Still have an ongoing problem, seems like the grinding is coming from the rear diff. there is a vibration when I put my hand on it but it might be traveling through the driveshaft.

I'm going to pull the DS off and see if the transfer case still grinds. any other thoughts based on my YT video above?

Can I drive it w/o the DS and just make it a FWD? Ghetto I know, but not knowing what else to do.
Thanks!
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did you check the fluid level in the rear diff?
any reason you are not taking it to a shop to have it diagnosed?
 
I drained Rear diff. Fluid, level was normal, color was dirty but not dark. Refilled.
Fluid in the transfer case was Black and smell was quite strong. refilled with versatrak.

I don't really have a trusted shop to take it to to diagnose, if I can get a handle of the problem 1st, then I feel like I can start asking around on who to trust for a specific fix. My not make sense but I am weird and want to know that this is something I can't fix myself before I bring it to the shop. Getting to that point though and will prob. be bringing it in somewhere soon. as of now its not banging anymore but there is a steady grind.

another video that might give someone an idea of the problem:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owoUibXVtvE&list=PL-0YWJXuo_FfKZPOUEjkYWWLOfvCPfPLL
Thank you!
 
let us know what happens and good luck
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