t case blowout

[modified cruiser]

Just happened 17 June on the Rubicon trail my '07 FJC with an aftermarket transfer case exploded from a bearing separating.

I've not heard of this happening before. Should all bearings be replaced the t-case was installed two years ago with less than 10k miles. The manufacture of this lefty is saying not his fault. What do you think???

 

[Mtbcoach]

Sorry to hear of your issues.

Without any details, I couldn't guess as to if it is a "warranty" or not. Yet, I don't know of any aftermerket part company that warranties in all conditions. Both Jim and Marlin have great reps when it comes to customer service but carnage is carnage and as strong as the Lefty is, it can still be broken.

I'd work with whomever you bought it from to see if they will work with you on a parts/rebuild kit, tear into it and give us a detailed rebuild thread for the Lefty.

Let us know more details and follow up...

 

[modified cruiser]

Jim was only able to show me what happened. The idler gear broke loose and when it did the idler gear collided with the output shaft gear breaking both gears. The main bearing behind the idler gear broke apart and with the combined carnage split open the rear case. Jim could not explain why or how it happened or if it would happen again. He did say that stronger gears will be on the market in the near future.

Jim felt no obligation to take any responsibility for what happened. Claimed that wheeling off road was the cause. I there for paid for all parts and labor.

Even though this rig has driven the Rubicon end to end twice, multiple times on the slabs, Wentworth springs, Ellis creek, Walker hill and up the Fordice canyon (Sierra Trek) end to end. Parts are going to fail I understand but I do not feel I caused the problem, the exterior of the t-case had not been touched. the front and rear axles did not move into the T-case the undercarriage protected by pro comp skid plates. The size of my motor, the 35" tires, the six inch rough country lift, the Total Caos coil over did not cause this problem. I've been wheeling for the better part of 20 years and never seen a t-case just break with no reason. I asked Jim lif I could have done something to prevent this from happening and he said no.

 

[89yotanut]

Jim is a great guy I have 2 of his set ups and have done a lot of hard wheeling,no problems to date. (knock on wood!)I find it hard to believe he would not at least work with you to help try to make it right or at least a little more affordable to fix. Did he say this has happened to other leftys?

 

[modified cruiser]

Jim is a great guy I have 2 of his set ups and have done a lot of hard wheeling,no problems to date. (knock on wood!)I find it hard to believe he would not at least work with you to help try to make it right or at least a little more affordable to fix. Did he say this has happened to other leftys?

Jim said this was a first and he could not explain why it happened or that it would not happen again.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

I've been subscribed and following this since the word did filter into the Springs about the t-case fracture.

Just curious what you did. Did you replace the transfer and have it all rebuilt?

Did you go back to stock?

Either way that's really bad luck, and I hope it turns out ok for you.

How did you get the truck off the trail with the gaping hole in the t-case?

 

[modified cruiser]

Toy Connection guys working with Marlin Crawler stopped by Sat afternoon cause they had heard also of the blow out. Their idea was to fill the hole with part of a beer can, seal it with RTV and bolt the case half back together. Output shaft still functioned. Buddies from the Vacaville Toyota Rocks Club strapped me thru some areas coming out. Made it to the cliffs for cell service and AAA to Inch worms in Shingle Springs. Threw both tie rods and sway bar out and could not drive must have happened being strapped out. Three weeks and couple of days later and I just got the rig back.

 

[General Sherman]

That sucks

Post up some pics of the carnage.