2nd Cracked T-Case - ?? 1984 F350 - Diesel Forum

Forcus · 11-25-2005, 09:42 AM

Hey guys, just to start off, I am looking at a 1984 F350 4x4, 6.9L, 4 speed. Guy knows little to nothing about it except it "may" have over 200,000 miles, it runs good, doesn't start as well cold, has some rust, and a 2nd broken transfer case. Not just broken - cracked. Good thing he only wants $500.

He thinks it is because of soft engine mounts but I am not so sure. Have you heard of this happening before? It is not a big deal to source another one, but obviously, something is happening with the truck that is leading to the T-case being cracked.

Any ideas? Haven't got a chance to look at it yet but I'd like an idea of what to look for before I go!

Brian

mvmudslinger · 11-25-2005, 09:55 AM

when i bought mine the adapter between the case and tranny was busted. all but one ear was broke off. This had happend a few times before. so instead of buying a new one, $500, I tig welded the snot out of it and had the face resurfaced,and the oil rings re-cut. about 75 bucks total. probably same problem just different weak points. Id say it probably from engine flex where it twists.

Forcus · 11-25-2005, 10:12 AM

Thanks for the reply - I don't think it's the adapter, but the case itself. I've never heard of it happening before except off-roading when a shaft has been shoved in to the case from suspension movement / breakage. Supposedly it's cracked right down the middle.

Brian

BullHauler · 11-25-2005, 10:54 AM

Instead of chasing the problem around, one could go with a divorced transfer-case.

hweaver · 11-25-2005, 12:32 PM

I had a similar problem on my 1984 F250, only it was the connector between the transfer case and the transmission. This happened twice before the transmission shop doing the work researched the problem for me. The problem was caused by the front drive line hitting the end of its play area and thus breaking something. The solution was to shorten the front drive line 1/2 inch. Several years now and no more problems.

I bet you have the same problem. The shop seemed to think that the suspension, mounting brackets, motor mounts or something else in the old truck was allowing this to happen.

On the "doesn't start well in cold", you might put a pushbutton on your glow plug system and then install 12 volt constant duty glow plugs. I did this on my 84 and I can start it in just about any conditions, and I live in Anchorage AK.

Good luck

hweaver

Forcus · 11-26-2005, 11:01 AM

[ QUOTE ]
I had a similar problem on my 1984 F250, only it was the connector between the transfer case and the transmission. This happened twice before the transmission shop doing the work researched the problem for me. The problem was caused by the front drive line hitting the end of its play area and thus breaking something. The solution was to shorten the front drive line 1/2 inch. Several years now and no more problems.

I bet you have the same problem. The shop seemed to think that the suspension, mounting brackets, motor mounts or something else in the old truck was allowing this to happen.

On the "doesn't start well in cold", you might put a pushbutton on your glow plug system and then install 12 volt constant duty glow plugs. I did this on my 84 and I can start it in just about any conditions, and I live in Anchorage AK.

Good luck

hweaver

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks for the response! I haven't gotten to look at it yet so it may have a lift, or very worn springs, I'll have to see.

Any other ideas?

hweaver · 11-26-2005, 02:30 PM

Quote[Thanks for the response! I haven't gotten to look at it yet so it may have a lift, or very worn springs, I'll have to see.]

We couldn't find any obvious things wrong with the springs and I know my truck wasn't lifted. I do drive it on some bumpy roads and it made some sense that the slide area of the drive shaft could be bottoming out and torquing the transfer case in some violent manner. But it works perfectly now and has for several years after the modification.

hweaver