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Transfer case cracks. need opinions

Discussion in 'Flat Fender Tech' started by Willys3B, Feb 9, 2009.

  1. Feb 9, 2009
    Willys3B

    Willys3B New Member

    Phoenix, Arizona
    Joined:
    Oct 19, 2007
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    19
    I am a long time lurker and finally have a project of my own. I've gained a lot of knowlwdge here and appreciate the work that goes into it, thanks sparky!

    I have a big hole model 18 transfer case that I am rebuilding to go into a CJ3B. I have found cracks at two of the rear output mounting bolt holes that I am concerned about, so I am turning to the experts here for your opinions.

    This is going to be behind a dauntless V6 and an SM420 and running moderate sized tires, maybe up to 32 inch. However, I do have a grand national turbo V6 and waggy axles waiting to go in later.

    Should i give up on this case and use another? Supposedly the big hole case is a little stronger so I would like to use it. I do have another 1.25 shaft case that I can use. Or are these cracks not a problem?

    Thanks

    Terry
     
  2. Feb 9, 2009
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2002
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    12,529
    Personally I'd find another case. Those cracks are only going to get worse, not better. You may find those pieces breaking off when you torque down the bolts after going through all the trouble to reassemble it. Nothing more frustrating than getting close to the end of a project and have something like that happen. Just be glad you found them now and not later. My 2 cents worth.
     
  3. Feb 9, 2009
    DrDanteIII

    DrDanteIII Master Procrastinator

    Milford NJ 08848
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    I'm going to agree with nick here.

    If you are looking for the stronger case, why start with one that is compromised?
     
  4. Feb 9, 2009
    jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    Hermosa, SD
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    Jul 30, 2003
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    not a great shortage of cases out there...
    find another
    do it once, do it right.
     
  5. Feb 9, 2009
    mknittle

    mknittle jeep addict

    auburn ca
    Joined:
    Apr 16, 2006
    Messages:
    24
    Where is the pinion on your rear differentail? If it is in the center you will have driveshaft problems anyway so now is agood time to avoid problems later on!.short drivelines don't like compound angles! throw in a lift even 2" and it gets worse real fast.
    I had the same problem 75 cj5 rear centered pumpkin in a 42 MB; I ended up with a dana 20 with 18 and bronco upper sliding gear(centered output shaft). A Dana 300 would have been better but takes a differant adaptor.
     
    Last edited: Feb 9, 2009
  6. Feb 9, 2009
    Willys3B

    Willys3B New Member

    Phoenix, Arizona
    Joined:
    Oct 19, 2007
    Messages:
    19
    Thanks guys for the quick responses. You’re confirming what I was thinking. Darn, thought I had something special with the big hole 18 case, hate to give it up.

    So if I have done my research correctly I could swap these internals into a model 20 case? Which is supposed to be a little stronger and essentially the same as the big hole model 18? And would allow me to run a lower gear set like terra low in the future. Anybody think it is worth the effort to find a model 20 case?

    Thanks mknittle, I am running the original Dana 44 offset 2 piece rear axle for now and the waggy rear axle is offset as well, so yeah offset transfer case output and offset pinion, no compound angles.
     
  7. Feb 9, 2009
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2002
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    12,529
    You actually have a 20 case right now. The press in thimbles for the shift rails give that away, so yup, you can put your guts in a 20 case. The large hole 18 cases did not have the press in thimble, just a cast portion for the shift rail just like the small hole case.
     
  8. Feb 9, 2009
    Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Falcon, CO
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    Mar 4, 2003
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    5,466
    Don't know which adaptor your gonna use, but if you end up back on an 18 case make sure the adaptor works. Most I know of are specific for a small vs large hole case.
     
  9. Feb 10, 2009
    Willys3B

    Willys3B New Member

    Phoenix, Arizona
    Joined:
    Oct 19, 2007
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    19
    Ok, I'm learning some things here. Thanks Niickmil. The transfer case came in a packaged deal. I bought a running duantless v6/sm420/novak adapter/transfer case out of a CJ5. The adapter was supposed to be new and looks it. The PO thought the transfer case was a big hole 18. I am going to have to check the novak adapter, thanks Warloch, I had the same thought.
     
  10. Feb 10, 2009
    coby61

    coby61 Stupidiotic Member

    Prunedale CA
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    Mar 10, 2004
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    388
    Please add your location to your profile. You may have a member in your backyard with a Dana 20 in their backyard!
     
  11. Feb 10, 2009
    jeeper50

    jeeper50 jeeps 'till I die

    Spanish Fort. AL
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    Dec 20, 2007
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    Another option could be "metal stitching" crack repair. Might not be cost effective for your situation, but my machinsit repaired my cracked F head block using that method. I would think that a D20 case should be relatively easy to find in your area. Search craigslist also, here's one from my neck of the woods for $100.
    http://atlanta.craigslist.org/pts/990901076.html
     
  12. Feb 10, 2009
    Willys3B

    Willys3B New Member

    Phoenix, Arizona
    Joined:
    Oct 19, 2007
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    19
    I've discussed welding it with a friend who has done some cast iron welding but I am going to try to stay away from it. I hope to find a 20 case and still I need to verify the novak adapter i have will not fit a small hole 18 case, one of which I have and using it wouldn't be the end of the world.

    I found a couple here local on craigslist but I think they are a little overpriced at around $200. Found an older ad for one at a lower price, waiting a reply and I have a couple of feelers out.

    Coby61, I'm in Phoenix, I added that to my profile. Thanks!

    It is probably about time I did an introduction I suppose. I was over on the 3B page when Sparky started this. :)
     
  13. Feb 11, 2009
    wheelie

    wheelie beeg dummy 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor

    York, PA
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    Someone used to make a reinforcing kit for these cases. They were called girdles and were made out of heavier guage steel that bolted to the bottom of the case between the case and pan. it was several years ago that I saw these in an article in one of the rags I read.:rofl:
     
  14. Feb 12, 2009
    Willys3B

    Willys3B New Member

    Phoenix, Arizona
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    Oct 19, 2007
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    I do remember that girdle from years ago....I had forgotten about it until you mentioned it. I found an article at jeepsunlimited that mentioned tri county gear made it, but their web site is down.

    I've been looking for a new case here locally, I have few choices.
     
  15. Feb 12, 2009
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
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    If you can't find a case locally you might try any # of the vendors. Hermtheoverdriveguy or R&P can probably supply one for you. Make sure you tell them you need one with the fill plug on the side and not on the back.
     
  16. Feb 12, 2009
    Willys3B

    Willys3B New Member

    Phoenix, Arizona
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    Thanks Nickmil, I am sure I can find one here, I located about four at $100. I looked at one last night and the little support foot on the front bearing shaft cap was different and threw me a little. took some cell phone pictures of it.

    I have another one to look at that has a t18 attached. Also $100. Any advise on what to look for on the t18 besides the first gear ratio? I know there are several variations of the t18.
     
  17. Feb 12, 2009
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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  18. Feb 12, 2009
    Willys3B

    Willys3B New Member

    Phoenix, Arizona
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    No sir. supposedly a t-18 tranny bolted to a dana model 20 transfer case. Not that I need another tranny.
     
  19. Feb 12, 2009
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    That's a good deal, though some types will be a better deal than others. I'd buy it if it were from a Jeep and not a IH truck.

    The close ratio CJ T-18 will have a plate adapter and uses a T-15 bell. You need the plate adapter with that transmission. The most common wide-ratio T-18 is likely from a V8 J-truck or Wagoneer, and will have a very long input shaft, ca 12-15" stickout.
     
    Last edited: Feb 12, 2009
  20. Feb 12, 2009
    Willys3B

    Willys3B New Member

    Phoenix, Arizona
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    Thanks Timgr, sorry if I sounded curt in my last reply I was in a hurry. Thanks for the info. I hope to see it tonight
     
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