2003 Transfer Case Problem

[simon7mm]

Hello,

 

Wondering if anyone has experienced these problems...

 

When the truck is cold, has been parked for a while, there is a heavy low pitch squeek when I first start driving, it isn't constant and goes away pretty fast. Initially thought is was something stuck in the brakes, it still happens and seems to come from the centre of the truck.

 

Now when I shift into 4X4, (manual shift) the shift lever is really loose, and I dont get the positive clunk when it goes in or out of 4X4. Although the 4X4 still works, but it seems to come out at times.

 

Should I get a new transfer case before I get stuck in 2WD somewhere? How hard is it to change a transfer case? Does the transmission have to come out?

 

Thanks in advance for any comments or suggestions.