Transfer Case Season

Zumbrota Drivetrain® has been on the leading edge of aftermarket remanufacturing since 1989. The keys to the company’s long success are attention to detail and superior craftsmanship. The dark, cold winter months are transfer case season because this is the time of year we rely on our drivetrain more and unit failures tend to go up.

Transfer Case Woes

When that first snow hits and you hit the button, it can be a loud bang fireworks show or a chorus of crickets. Zumbrota’s Sales manager Josh Linnell says, “most of the time the damage has been done well before you hear anything. Some failures are just a worn part, some are more catastrophic; the result is the same. Transfer cases have a lot of metal-on-metal contact, factor in that most cars and trucks are going to last 200,000 to 300,000 miles nowadays so something as to give. Chains, clutches and/or viscous couplers are some of the common failed parts. And I must say, we see a lot that can be prevented by keeping the vehicle maintained.”

“Most units only hold about two quarts of fluid so in the environment inside the case,” quips Linnell, “so a lot is being asked of it. On top of that, the transfer case is often overlooked when it comes to checking the fluid level and condition during a routine tune-up.” Linnell indicated that there’s another reason for transfer case problems that might not be apparent and first look. “The other is all four tires having the same diameter, not just all the same size on the side of the tire but the actual diameter of the tire. A difference here causes a load imbalance inside the unit and pre-mature wear.”

Inspection Protocols

It all starts with superior inspection techniques. Quality inspections are conducted three times during the remanufacturing process. A pre-inspection ensures the unit is free of case cracks and stripped threads, identifies excessive wear, and catches OEM-related problems that many cores have. The second inspection is conducted during the remanufacturing process to ensure all component parts meet OEM specifications. Items under consideration include, shaft straightness, gear wear, and chain stretch. Then a final post-build inspection is done to ensure the transfer case has been built to strict Zumbrota standards.

Proprietary Cleaning

Zumbrota’s exclusive Hydro Blast rinse and sandblasting procedures on internal and external parts set the stage. They are followed up by a proprietary shot-enhanced deep cleaning that transforms the transfer case with a like-new look. In fact, many customers call and ask if they’ve been shipped a new unit by mistake.

Assembled By Craftsman

After the initial case inspection, Zumbrota technicians determine which parts have failed or worn and which ones can be reused. Viscous couplers, bearings, and all seals are always replaced. Any common wear items are also replaced.

Along with the final inspection, each unit is spun tested to confirm proper shifting and to make sure the transfer case runs smooth and quiet. Each unit is shipped in a high-density plastic tote to help eliminate in-transit damage and make core return an easy R&R proposition for the customer.

When you buy a Zumbrota transfer case, you’re investing in the confidence, satisfaction, and peace of mind that comes with our standard two-year, unlimited mileage warranty. If your driveline gets out of line remember Zumbrota produces the highest quality remanufactured transfer cases, axle assemblies, and manual transmissions in the industry. Shop some of the more popular transfer case families below or call teh number below for more information.

CALL 1-800-658-2537

1996-1999 GMC Yukon & Chevy Tahoe NP243 Transfer Case