Transfer Case locking up after sitting

[dgoodhue]

I have noticed in years past it seemed like that my transfer case seem to be locked up when I first drive it every year. It seem to loosen right up and work properly with a trip around the block. I have done the torque wrench test a couple times and it passes.

A couple weeks ago I went move my Syclone to move around my driveway into its winter spot in my garage. It was a cold day (25 degrees) and I am 99.9% positive the transfer case was locked. It was painful to hear the stress that it was putting on the axles; I was going to drive it to the gas station to top it off but I didn't want to do any damage.

Is it normal for this to happen either on a cold day or sitting extended periods of time?

 

[Quickstop [UK]]

Re: Transfer Case locking up after sitting

My limited understanding of the silicon based VC fluid is that it gets more viscous as it heats up, not the other way round. You'd need a tech sheet.

As far as the fluid, there is nowhere for it to run to or pool. The unit is totally sealed and from the disassembly photos I have seen, it's full up.

That said, if the VC has been fried in the past, maybe the fluid has been damaged by being overheated. This is all speculation really though. It all depends on that .1% doubt you have as well. If the VC clutch passes the test, you may be misinterpreting the signs of strain.

:2cents:, HTH

 

[e95 Ty]

Re: Transfer Case locking up after sitting

Dave, I have a good spare Ty case if you need it. lmk

 

[RealFastV6]

Transfer Case locking up after sitting

What's your wheel \ tire combination?

(And I have a spare Sy TC)

 

[Davemc1963]

Re: Transfer Case locking up after sitting

I rebuilt mine recently and the vc was fried. It was locked solid. I rebuilt it with a used vc that I bought about six years ago. When I put it away, it was ok. When I took it out of the box and tried to turn it, it was tight, I thought sh*t. However, once it turned a few times, it seemed ok and once built up was maybe just a couple of lb/ft more at the most than the specs DaveP has posted, so I believe once its run a little in the truck it will be fine. I couldn't move the old one at all. Completely solid. I can only presume they grab/stick a little when they are left to sit a while. Lets hope so anyway.

 

[dgoodhue]

Re: Transfer Case locking up after sitting

My wheels are stock and tire sizes are stock 245/50-16. The set of tires I use regularly are near new tread depth.

I do have a brand new viscous coupler among my spare parts.