Aftermarket vs OEM Transfer Case Rebuild kits

[Bryan062087]

I ordered a MAF (Man-a-fre) rebuild kit for my transfer case, and after reading a few threads about how crappy aftermarket stuff is, I'm worried I should have gotten OEM parts.

Does anyone have any experience with this? How do the MAF or Cruiser Outfitters or other aftermarket vendors' transfercase rebuild kits compare with OEM? Any difference in seals/gaskets? Bearings? The bearings that came with my kit are koyos.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

I thought the OEM gaskets were a bit thinner. That's a good thing here. The bearings are exactly the same, so no difference there. I got a rebuild kit from Mudrak, and used 2 OEM gaskets. I've got almost 30k miles on the t-case I rebuilt, so I think it's OK. The real key is making sure the output preload is exactly right. I did have to change the shims on the output bearing, but others have reported they don't have to. Also, the accordian external seal on the 4wd shifter in the aftermarket kits is crap. Use an OEM part for that. I ran mine for a year with the aftermarket part, then noticed the rubber was already breaking down, and then replaced with OEM.

 

[Dynosoar]

I have rebuilt 3 or 4 using the MAF kit with no problems at all they have Koyo bearings and Toyota OEM seals. The gaskets are standard thin paper.


Dynosoar

 

[Tofudebeest]

I just ordered mine from Kurt. I was totally happy with the knuckle rebuild kit I got from him and expect the same with this kit.

The $64K Q: Drop the trannny to rebuild the t-case or do it in the truck? I do have access to a lift, though I may have to wait a couple of weeks.

Also, why is there no step by step tech manual for this job on this site? Such a common job and can be a little tricky...perfect contender for a detailed, highly photographed manual...

 

[Bryan062087]

I'm thinking about dropping the transmission with the x-fer case attached and do the rear main seal at the same time.

As far as directions go, I ordered a FSM, but its not here yet. But you can download the chasis/body/electrical factory manual from some internet site. I found it on here by searching "download FSM" or something like that.

 

[rover67]

i have used kits from Kurt and MAF, they both are good and had the right thickness gaskets (no shimming needed for the rear output).

you can probably pull the tranny and transfer case w/o the manual probably, just be carefull when you break that whole sucker loose from the motor... it's heavy. see if you can find a tranny jack to borrow or get one from horrible freight.