t98 noise

Well I got brave this spring and took my 56 out for the first time, and my "I'm not going to abuse it" plan didn't really work out, so......I get back from the trails and drain all the water out of the entire drivetrain, refill, etc....but my transfer case begins making this horrid grinding whining noise, so I replace it, and now the transfer case is quiet, but there is still a whine, most noticeable in 4th gear. With the t-case in neutral, 1st through 3rd gear are quite, but even at idle I can here what sounds like gear whine, or maybe a bearing moaning in 4th, when driving it is the loudest thing you can hear between 35-45 mph. I know I'm probably heading for a rebuild, but I don't really have the funds at this very moment, so I was just wondering if any one might have some experience with this specific problem, and might know how long I have to drive on it before something really bad happens/if there is anything cheaper than a rebuild that I could look into, (this jeep is my daily driver). Thanks.

 

Going from what you posted it sounds like possibly a rear output bearing in the transmission if it's loudest/most prominent in 4th gear. That is the bearing that turns the fastest only in 4th gear and slower in the other 3 gears. Counter gear bearings are only loaded in 1st through 3rd and reverse so from what you describe that most likely isn't it. The front input bearing will turn fast in all gears so also isn't too likely, again, from what you describe. This is all assuming your driveline angles are ok and not picking up a vibration from further down the powertrain somewhere.