New Transfer Case Cost ?

Yeah: that must be it. Dunno why I didn't think of that.

 

A transmission shop should be within 100 miles of you. They should be able to source a used T case, OEM driveshaft, and change the seals and fluid before install. Also they can change your trans fluid at the same time. No idea why it would grenade. They should be able to tell you.

This is a very simple old school design. As others said, not rocket science. Some grey hair at a trans shop may give you peace of mind.

Worth fixing for sure but not worth 1.5X MSRP on new parts. Maybe a new driveshaft to ensure lack of vibration depending on the cost.

Also the transmission shop will give you a warranty on the used parts, even if only for 6 months. If it lasts 6 months it will last 6 years. Maybe they can put on a new actuator while it is on the bench.

 

Get used parts off a low mileage 3rd gen.

 

$380 for a Tcase from a 2021 AT w/ 16,000 miles on car-part.com

 

Thank you for the lead !

 

It’s mind boggling how many shops don’t fix anything anymore. Seems many are just parts changers. While there isn’t much help for this shattered case, many shops lack repair ability.

 

Find a reputable independent shop that will put in a used transfer case and driveline. Let them source the parts. They will make a few bucks on the transfer case but if it's a lemon it's on them. Also, a lot of shops won't put in parts you supply.

Have your truck hauled there on a rollback and let them do the repairs. You are looking at less than $2500 or so all in. Well worth that much to fix your truck.

Tell the dealer you will be having it towed and to NOT do any work on it.

 

Fj and 4runner cases are really the only option for manual shift unless you go atlas

 

It isn't that they all lack repair ability,(some do), it is that time is money. Much more profit in r&r, than a full blown bench rebuild. And today, many things are not built to be serviceable unfortunately. Disposable is the name of the game now, they don't want you to fix it, they want you to buy new.

 

Update: I looked up parts needed on carparts.com and new transfer case was $600, new driveshift about $400 and new actuator about $400 also. With total for parts about $1500.
I just can't believe dealership wants over $8k to perform this repair.
I am going to find independent shop to do repair and expect to pay $2500 - $3000 for repair instead of $8k at dealership.

Thank you to everyone that offered advice, I really appreciated it.

 

Thanks, yes this will be the route I go.

 

Please keep us posted, OP. I still cannot understand why this would happen.

 

I agree and it’s a sad deal…….guess I grew up having to fix components to save a few bucks.

 

Only time I’ve ever seen these grenade it was due to bearing seizures

 

Any updates OP?

 

No update yet. I took my truck to local shop that was reccomended. Shop owner said they could repair truck but it would be couple days before they could even look at it as they are backed up.

Will post update once I have imformation that caused transfer case to seize.

 

Even if the truck has 200,000 miles on it the transfer case may not have 2000 miles in use. I'd not be concerned at all about dropping a used one in the truck.

 

UPATE:

I just spoke with repair shop where I took my truck after they had chance to diagnose issue and they said, U-Joint on front drive shift was abnormally worn and this caused U-joint to fail and break. He said he's seen this issue couple of times on Tacoma's. He also said doesn't look like I need a new transfer case just need to replace the transfer case actuator and drive shaft. He said it will be under $1500 for total repair. This is much cheaper than the $6-8k the dealership quoted.

If $1500 is total cost to repair U joint failure then I consider I was fortunate not to have to replace the transfer also.

Thank you to everyone that offered advice !

 

That's awesome news Hikefar! I am truly happy for you!

 

Did you get your truck out? All ok?