- Location
- Southern Maryland
I have recently noticed that sometimes the transfer case makes a grinding/rubbing noise, and other times doesn't. I replaced the chain a little while ago, and at that time I noticed that the main shaft was able to move back and forth a little and that there wasn't anything except the chain tension holding it in place.
Talking to one of the local mechanics that does a lot of 4WD mods, and although he doesn't know about the 242 he said the 231 likes to break a lock ring, and that some of the later models did not have a second lock ring at all. What's interesting here is that my 242 shows two grooves on the main shaft, apparently for each side of the oil pump housing bearing race. However this 242 only had the one lock ring on the outside of the race (to keep the shaft from moving inwards). The FSM also shows only one lock ring here.
Here is a vid showing that I can pull the main shaft backwards about 1/4 inch, and then the sprocket starts rubbing on the oil pickup tube.
Here is a picture of the shaft where the oil pickup housing would sit. There is a shoulder on the casting for the speedo gear cuts, and that stops the shaft from moving too far, but you can clearly see a groove right next to it. I am thinking that maybe I should put a lockring in that groove, and that will prevent the shaft from moving out as far.
What can you guys tell me about this? Should I look somewhere else? Is there supposed to be another lock ring somewhere that keeps the shaft from moving outwards?
Thanks
Talking to one of the local mechanics that does a lot of 4WD mods, and although he doesn't know about the 242 he said the 231 likes to break a lock ring, and that some of the later models did not have a second lock ring at all. What's interesting here is that my 242 shows two grooves on the main shaft, apparently for each side of the oil pump housing bearing race. However this 242 only had the one lock ring on the outside of the race (to keep the shaft from moving inwards). The FSM also shows only one lock ring here.
Here is a vid showing that I can pull the main shaft backwards about 1/4 inch, and then the sprocket starts rubbing on the oil pickup tube.
Here is a picture of the shaft where the oil pickup housing would sit. There is a shoulder on the casting for the speedo gear cuts, and that stops the shaft from moving too far, but you can clearly see a groove right next to it. I am thinking that maybe I should put a lockring in that groove, and that will prevent the shaft from moving out as far.

What can you guys tell me about this? Should I look somewhere else? Is there supposed to be another lock ring somewhere that keeps the shaft from moving outwards?
Thanks
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