Official Crawlbox BS thread!

Got the rear t-case all assembled with the new NWF input shaft. New input seal and front output seal.



It was a little tough getting the split bearing to stay in place while joining the two halves of the t-case together, I had to put a big glob of MP grease on it then it would stay. Everything else has been pretty straight forward so far. I did notice in the NWF install instructions, they forgot to mention re-installing the oil pump and oil filter before joining the two halves, so be sure to remember to do that.

I did a little research on the best gasket maker, and I didn't realize Permatex made an RTV specifically for transfer cases and gear oil. It's Permatex green, and it's got good reviews so I picked up a tube of it, so we'll see how well it holds up.

 

I've been collecting parts for mine for awhile. I already had enough money invested in the crawl box I'm not gonna switch now. Recently I've had enough odd and end parts show up I started assembly. I got to the part where I put the detent ball and spring in. I put the shifter in to cycle it to make sure it felt good, then I noticed the shift rail hanging out. So my question is was I supposed to cut this rail or the one in the factory case.

 

In the factory case you'll pull the "pill" pin if you intend on doing twin stick. For your Orange reduction box you dont need to cut anything. Thay shift rail has room clearanced in your adapter plate seen in the bottom right.

 

Yeah, that list is directly from that exact same site.

I have a feeling we cornered the market with this project!

 

Thanks for confirming about the shift rail. My factory case is ADD and I've already done the 2lo mod , so I won't need the twin stick.

 

u dont even need that 2lo mod anymore. once the crawl box goes in, you have 2lo now

 

I haven't done the rear locker anytime mod so the 2lo anytime let's me use the rear locker.
I can also run in 2lolo and 2lololo or is it 2LL and 2LLL.

 

@Team_Jake interested to see how that rtv works out! I always used "the right stuff" which is awesome, but a bitch to deal with if you ever need to get it apart. I also had horrible luck with paper gaskets and grey rtv (what marlin recommends) so interested to see how that stuff works out!

 

It's double low or triple low

 

Placed my order for a NWF ecocrawler today. I will be doing an AWD conversion on my 2009 2.7L and will be installing an R156F from a 3rd gen truck. The ecocrawler will go behind that and then a VF4B T-case from the 6spd FJ Cruiser will be at the rear.

My question on this is if those who are going the NWF route, are yall planning on doing any kind of support crossmember for the crawlbox/tcase out back?

 

Done (at least until my triple shifters arrive)



A few notes about the entire process:
- This is my first time ever taking apart a transfer case, and at no moment did anything seem too difficult. I actually thought it was all fairly easy, if you have a basic mechanical wrenching ability, you will have no problem building one of these.
- Everything was done using basic garage tools. The only "special" tool needed is a 3-jaw puller, which is required to remove the shift collar alignment. I rented the medium sized 3-jaw puller from AutoZone which worked perfectly. I did use a 1/2" impact and a 3/8" electric ratchet which did help tremendously and I highly suggest anyone getting both if doing a job like this, but are not necessary.
- To get to this point took me approximately 7 hours. I was very thorough in reading the instructions and took my time.
- After putting it all together, shift through both transfer cases and make sure all the gears are working as expected. When I first did this my transfer case input was not engaging when turning the crawl box input, after taking it apart I found I installed the shift collar backwards. Once corrected, I turned the input gear on the crawl box and shifted through all the gears, everything now operates the way it should.

 

Hey @Marlin Crawler check it out people are making things! Learn a lesson and get off your rocking chair and start your production old fart!

 

This worked great by the way! Thanks for the tip!

 

I think they're too busy putting out LT kits.






Oh wait...

 

Old man Merlin looking at his stock in the warehouse and comparing to the orders in queue

 

I'm betting it's more like this:

 

Haha, I think that was Wyatt thinking he got all those orders with no intent to fill. I view those companies as one in the same but Merlin hasn't been caught yet LOL.

 

I would have gone with this.

 

Sure hope so

 

I’d like to report back after 1 year of running a TG 4.7 in front of my stock 2.57. No leaks and has only popped from low to neutral twice due to body clearance issue. I run trails mostly with the TG in low and stock in high with 6speed AT it works great and I rarely use the brakes. The only thing that’s odd is it grinds if I put the truck in park when in low range so I shift to neutral first and use e brake. The install is actually pretty straight forward with TG instructions besides making the shifter work on 3rd gen AT (welding required). If your considering this mod I would highly recommend it. The stock 2.57 is no where near low enough in my opinion even with 5.29’s.