Hey everyone,

I have an '03 2.5 that now has about 82K on it. I got it used, and everything is fine so far. Knowing the history of the year, I always just check around for a good deal on transfer cases, just in case mine goes bad without notice. Anyways, I found a used 2002 TC online (w/around 55K miles in supposed great shape) for a pretty damn good price, but I am a little skeptical to take the plunge, especially since I don't technically need one right now. First of all, do you think it makes sense to buy a TC before mine actually gives out? Second, what should I ask the seller about the TC? Third, what should I expect to get with the TC, any other parts aside from the main assembly to attach it? Thanks for all the advice, this board has been countlessly insightful.

 

queen, honestly, save your money and wait to pick up a TC when you need it. having the 2.5L motor is going to make it that much more difficult for you to hurt your TC due to the less power. As for what to ask the seller, there isn't much that you can see on the outside that would tell you the status of the internals. What normally happens is the case cracks and starts letting the internals move around too much and they eat themselves. So, as long as there is no crack on the outside, the internals should be good.

Save your money and worst case, put the money you would have spent into the bank and let it accrue some interest. That way, should you ever have a problem, you atleast have the money for the TC sitting there waiting.

 

ok thanks so much for all the advice. I will hold off on getting one until the need is there. So far no problems, so I guess there is no need to push it, but I am bookmarking this for future use! Thanks again.