What The?? Loss of RWD?

[aleccolin]

Okay, my car has been acting funny lately, specifically when I really get on it the front(s) will break loose like a FWD car. This worries me. I first though it could just be a blown VC since it's sortof acting like it's TRYING to lock up and hook the rears, but can't do it. Actually in the rain it's really bad and I can actually stop, pull the e-brake and flame the fronts. Not good.

When the vehicle is in the air on a lift, all four spin like they're supposed to. WTF I didn't try pulling the e-brake on the lift, sorry.

I drained and filled the tranny, transfer case, and rear end about six weeks ago. Not a whole lot came out of the t-case, but it doesn't hold much either. Tranny fluid looked fine. Rear end drain plug had a decent amount of filings on it, but not THAT bad and def. not as bad as some Dana and Ford rear ends I've seen. Filled them all with proper fluid of specified amount.

Last week I put it on a lift and noticed the t-case is slinging out the fluid through the yoke. It's going today for the t-case recall, but I'm starting to wonder if the two items might be related.

Would a damaged transfer case (i.e. worn from low fluid) cause damage to anything else that might cause loss of rwd (mostly) and maybe slow the car down (which I've noticed, like the e-brake is partially pulled)??

I know you all have seen every DSM malady there is, so I appreciate your input.

 

[4pistons]

Would a damaged transfer case (i.e. worn from low fluid) cause damage to anything else that might cause loss of rwd

Not Likely. The t-case is just a set of beveled gears set at a right angle. There's nothing that can go bad or wear out to lose power to the rear or drag the car down. If you can freely spin all tires (on the lift) then the t-case is operating properly. The recall is for the leaking yoke plug that eventually lets ALL the oil leak out and the t-case siezes up, locking the rear tires, and potentially cause a crash.

Your problem seems to stem from a bad VC or center diff. It'd be hard to tell which one without inspecting each of them. The VC is easier to get at so I would start there. If you buy a used one be sure it worked properly so you don't replace a bad one with a bad one.

Did you get any metal shards in the oil when you drained the tranny? Pull off the t-case and grab the output shaft and try to move it in and out. It should move only a few thousandths of an inch. Inspect the output shaft splines. If they're shiny and worn it's an indication that your center diff is shot.

Rick - '91 GSX