How to support an NV271 case?

[Rigger]

I am looking for opinions on a transfer case support issue.

Here's the story: I have a 2008 Ford E350 4x4 Van. The 4x4 was an aftermarket conversion, done by an aftermarket conversion company within the past month. I am experiencing some vibration in the van at highway speeds. I notice that the transfer case, which is an NV271, has no dedicated, separate cross member under it to support it. It is supported only by its connection to the adapter that is bolted to the back of the transmission. In effect, the case is cantilevered off the back of the transmission.

I would like to fab & install a cross member to see if I can eliminate or reduce the vibration in the truck. Problem is, I don't see a way to connect the cross member to the transfer case.

Question 1: Is it normal in the 4x4 world for these cases to be sort of hanging back behind the tranny like mine is?

Question 2: How can I connect on to the transfer case to tie it to a cross member?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[bpassmore]

I would be worried about that much weight hanging off the back of the tranny like that. Yes, get a support installed. Heck, tell the conversion company they need to do it. i dont see a good mounting point on the NV271, but you should be able to find something to fit.

what did that conversion cost ya?

 

[Rigger]

Hmmm. I PM'd Zach about a case support he is using. Look at his build thread and look at the pics in post 349.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/60-series-wagons/198064-rotw-brokenparts-fj-60-a-18.html

That fork-looking thing on the back of the case was made by TMR Customs. I e-mailed TMR and they said that they could make one for me to fit the NV271. That might be a good option.

FYI, an NV271 weighs 120#!

 

[Rigger]

Test of pic upload

 

[bpassmore]

that is one tough van

 

[Rigger]

that is one tough van

Thanks. We like it. You asked about conversion cost. It was about $10k.

I have been researching the NV271 transfer case. On the body of the case, there are no support dogs or lugs or tapped locations to make a connection to a cross member. None. It appears to me that the manufacturer intends no support other than the connection to the tranny. This has caused me to wonder how this thing is supported in other vehicles. My cousin has a Ford Excursion, which is a truck that came from the factory with an NV271. (To be technically accurate, his is an NV273, which is the electronic shift variant of the NV271.) I took a quick look. His case also hangs off of the back of the tranny. There is no cross member under the case. His case does not have the adapter mine does and is situated closer to the tranny. Mine sits about 6" to 8" back.

 

[bpassmore]

Wow. that is a lot of weight back there. maybe it is alright, but man, it sure contradicts common sense.

is it vibrating excessively? if it is not causing problems. i guess it is better to not borrow trouble.