I've recently been trying to out if my 2004 x-type had the old or new transfer case. I found a bunch of information here on it, but it turned out that is was a bit contradictory- some saying the change to the new one was after spring 2004, some saying after vin D56272, or just the entire model year.

I finally was able to do the test by jacking it up and can say that my 2004 x-type, manufactured December 2003, vin D83727, seems to have the new transfer case.

(And for what it's worth, I do not have the DSC and it was a fantastic snow car for me when I lived in tahoe as long as I had snow tires in good condition).

Anyway, sharing what I found in case anyone else is also needing this info!

 

novium, it is possible that whoever had your car before you suffered a failed transfer case and the dealership tossed in a new style case to replace the broken one. As long as you keep all 4 wheels spinning at the same speed, yes, the newer style transfer case is just fine. It is when you get one wheel turning differently that it starts to show its weakness. Granted, this can be easily overcome by a gentle riding of the brakes at key times to keep wheel spin under control.

 

Yeah, I can't rule that out. It had only 60k miles on it when I got it, but it's an unknown. I just thought I'd throw out the data point that in my case, the vin rule seemed to have proved out.

The real reason I was looking is that I just bought that '06 wagon without DSC and was concerned I had a problem. But since they seem to be the same, my confidence is restored. I never had a problem in Tahoe as long as I had decent snow tires- it was a very surefooted little car for me in the years I lived up there. (Tbf, I originally was driving a '91 Ford explorer up there, so I never developed a lead foot in the snow. Gentle and easy, that's my motto). I never even heard of the brake trick until recently.


The two together!

 

At least you got the right color sedan =;~)

 

😭 the fact that the wagon wasn't red was a real pain point for me.

 

You can post this on your wall if you'd like.

 

Or you could pin this to your wall: