This will be a bit long, but I need to explain.
I'm knowledgeable but fairly inexperienced with Wranglers. My son bought a 1988 with the 4.2 about a year and a half ago. Seemed in fairly good shape and we have been pretty happy with it. It's needed some care and attention, but overall a good deal. A few weeks ago he told me it was making some odd drive line noises and we decided to park it until I could look at it better.
A couple of days ago I got under it and found the rear output shaft seal had slid out onto the slip yoke. I checked the fluid and it was dry (had checked it 2 months ago and it was still topped off after replacement 1 1/2 years ago, no leaks).
I bought a seal and some fluid (1st step), replaced the seal, added the fluid and ran it in the air. Fluid came out the rear seal and the shaft was loose (I knew it was a little when I checked the seal, but I didn't think it was that bad). I figure the bearing is shot. I also noticed the pinion angles are off between transfer case and rear end.
Now the questions:
1) Is the transfer case shot, or rebuild-able, or just the bearing for the output shaft? (I'm leaning toward rebuild but I will be pulling it to find out more probably after the 1st of the year. No outward damage to case)
2) Now would be a good time for a SYE/Driveshaft replacement, I've seen the videos and it doesn't look that hard. What about cost details on what is needed?
3) The previous owner put a lift on it but had put the wedges for the pinion in backwards (angled to far forward) so that should be an easy fix.
Any input will be appreciated. I will be taking it all in and making the best overall decisions ($, time, etc) with my son to make this right. We want it done to last as he wants to keep it for a long time to come. I always buy used, so I am used to fixing others shortcuts. I just wish we had seen the pinion problem sooner.
Thanks to all ahead of time
I'm knowledgeable but fairly inexperienced with Wranglers. My son bought a 1988 with the 4.2 about a year and a half ago. Seemed in fairly good shape and we have been pretty happy with it. It's needed some care and attention, but overall a good deal. A few weeks ago he told me it was making some odd drive line noises and we decided to park it until I could look at it better.
A couple of days ago I got under it and found the rear output shaft seal had slid out onto the slip yoke. I checked the fluid and it was dry (had checked it 2 months ago and it was still topped off after replacement 1 1/2 years ago, no leaks).
I bought a seal and some fluid (1st step), replaced the seal, added the fluid and ran it in the air. Fluid came out the rear seal and the shaft was loose (I knew it was a little when I checked the seal, but I didn't think it was that bad). I figure the bearing is shot. I also noticed the pinion angles are off between transfer case and rear end.
Now the questions:
1) Is the transfer case shot, or rebuild-able, or just the bearing for the output shaft? (I'm leaning toward rebuild but I will be pulling it to find out more probably after the 1st of the year. No outward damage to case)
2) Now would be a good time for a SYE/Driveshaft replacement, I've seen the videos and it doesn't look that hard. What about cost details on what is needed?
3) The previous owner put a lift on it but had put the wedges for the pinion in backwards (angled to far forward) so that should be an easy fix.
Any input will be appreciated. I will be taking it all in and making the best overall decisions ($, time, etc) with my son to make this right. We want it done to last as he wants to keep it for a long time to come. I always buy used, so I am used to fixing others shortcuts. I just wish we had seen the pinion problem sooner.
Thanks to all ahead of time