russellb

Also, when you find out what's wrong, it is possible to have certain parts repaired, like bearing fits, seal fits etc. If a machine shop can repair it for cheaper than new parts then you'll be good that way. Ask for a price quote not an estimate, there is a difference.

Get the motor tested. If its good the you got other problems. The used transfer case could be worse than yours, find out what's wrong first, then explore your options. Do some homework first before you buy anything, if you got the transfer case off the truck and you can afford it, then take it to someone who is competent and can tell you exactly what's wrong with it. Check out YouTube and other websites and see if you can find more information about your transfer case. Information is free, so get lots of it.

If your friend can scan it that would be best, cause I'm thinking the more you drive it the worse it will get. Given the fact it made a loud grinding noise tells me its mechanical failure right away, so any more driving will only make it worse until you have a catastrophic failure altogether. If you can't scan it, it still wouldn't hurt to pull it off and take a peak inside, could be as simple as a blown bearing. If the fluid in the transfer case has a metallic shimmer to it, then it has seen metal on metal contact for sure.

My truck has the same auto system, however when its in 4 low the traction control and stabilitrak are off and it doesn't try to auto 4 when the dial is not in that position. I don't know off the top of my head what the fuse is labelled as. Once my truck is in 4 low I can't simply switch to other power transfer modes without putting it into neutral first so I have my doubts about it trying to auto 4 when its locked in 4 low.

If your putting the transmission into neutral and then turn your dial to 2wd or 4wdhi and its not engaging, then it could be a fuse or relay, if its mechanical failure though its just stuck. Check your fuse box and its connections before you get too excited about tearing your case apart. Make sure all electrical is ok first. Get a scan done.

Take pictures, make a sketch, label everything and clean everything. Clean hands do a good clean job.

If you rebuild, don't reuse parts, especially roller chains and components in the roller chain assembly. A worn out chain can destroy new sprockets in seconds, and worn out sprockets will do the same to a chain. Be thorough and do it right the first time.

Checked my oil, and then gave it a hug.

If I'm not mistaken, the transfer case is chain type with clutch packs. I suspect the chain drive is roasted. Check fluid level. If your transfer case takes automatic transmission fluid then its a chain drive. Sounds like you need to rebuild your t case. Good luck.