Transfer case freeplay

[Retirednavy2010]

Just a quick question, is there any way to remove the slack or freeplay in the transfer case of a 2019 XLT FX4? If I come to a quick hard stop in town, when i take off there seems to be some small jolt like the transfer case has to "catch up" with the rest of the drivetrain. Yesterday I drove from upstate NY to Florida, going through the mountains of Pennsylvania on and off the throttle there seems to be "slack" in the drive line. I only have 40K on the truck and it's never been off roaf so it's not like it was abused. Any ideas?

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[WOADKIL]

More Data!

Why do you suspect the XFR case? Are you in 4HI or 4LOW?

 

[PltFX4]

I might start with a look at the drive shaft u-joints. Would seem to be early, milage wise, but a more "common" failure point than transfer case.

 

[Bob902]

I might start with a look at the drive shaft u-joints. Would seem to be early, milage wise, but a more "common" failure point than transfer case.

Yep. Lots of issues with driveshaft splines needing to be lubricated.

 

[ScarzRanger21]

Just a quick question, is there any way to remove the slack or freeplay in the transfer case of a 2019 XLT FX4? If I come to a quick hard stop in town, when i take off there seems to be some small jolt like the transfer case has to "catch up" with the rest of the drivetrain. Yesterday I drove from upstate NY to Florida, going through the mountains of Pennsylvania on and off the throttle there seems to be "slack" in the drive line. I only have 40K on the truck and it's never been off roaf so it's not like it was abused. Any ideas?

Mine has done this since day 1. Same with my last truck. Ford uses 2 piece drive shafts, that’s most likely what you’re feeling.

 

[Retirednavy2010]

More Data!

Why do you suspect the XFR case? Are you in 4HI or 4LOW?

Driving in 2WD, I've had the truck 18 months and only switched it to 4 low and 4 high twice to ensure the solenoids still work correctly. The only reason I suspect the transfer case is the read diff still feels tight without slop.

 

[Retirednavy2010]

Mine has done this since day 1. Same with my last truck. Ford uses 2 piece drive shafts, that’s most likely what you’re feeling.

I'm getting ready to change the 2 differential oils and the transfer case oil this weekend so I'll look at the drive shaft and u-joints

 

[TJC]

I had that slop with my Ford 2 piece driveshaft. Disappeared (along with the vibrations <30mph and >=75MPH) when I installed the Tom Woods Single Driveshaft. Best upgrade that I've made on my truck.

 

[Grish]

Dry drive shaft splines. Bet money.

 

[Techcargt]

What you are feeling is the drive shaft splines, there are several videos on line about it and how to grease them . I have had to do mine twice .

 

[Retirednavy2010]

What you are feeling is the drive shaft splines, there are several videos on line about it and how to grease them . I have had to do mine twice .

Thanks everyone. I jacked up the truck, pulled the boot back and lubed the shit out of the splines on the drive shaft. Sounds much better! I took the thin metal squeeze clamps off and used some medium sized zip ties on in their place. This will now be an annual maintenance item.

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