What Do You Guys Think of this Idler Gear?

[Von Hayek]

Hey Guys,

In the middle of my transfer case rebuild, I find that my idler gear is toast. I've got a guy on Mud who has one to sell and he is being completely honest about some pitting on the bearing surface. Not knowing much, I would throw this in. What do you guys think of this gear? Is this just a recipe for another rebuild soon?

 

[StaleAle]

Hey Guys... What do you guys think of this gear?

Well, it looks....idle. Can't tell much from the pic. There aren't very many pits, but some appear to be large enough to cause a whining noise. Unless this gear was left exposed and the pit is a result of surface rust, I would be concerned that the gear has worn enough for the idler bearing to wear through the hardened bearing race. You might be on the downhill side of that gear's life span.

What kind of mileage do you put on her in a year? Those gears are pricey and I am not sure of the price difference between that used unit versus a new one, but I would weigh the cost difference against having to open her up again in the next 3-5 years and buying and installing yet another gear, used or new.

Sorry, this is probably not much help. Personally, I would have to be saving more than half the cost of a new gear before even beginning to consider putting in a worn idler gear.

 

[Von Hayek]

From Cruiser Dan, this gear is $518. Yikes. I told the guy I'll take it. Hopefully I'll get some miles out of it.

 

[Von Hayek]

Big thanks to Steve for giving me a hand today.

My transfer case had been apart in my garage for over a week when the above idler gear finally arrived. Started putting it in this afternoon, and Steve showed up about a half hour after I started. There is no way I would have gotten nearly as much done alone as Steve and I did together. And particularly concerning the output shaft, I don't know how one guy can install that thing in by himself without resorting to setting his truck on fire first. Thanks a bunch Steve.

 

[TRFCSUX]

Don't give me to much credit, its not like we finished the job. Did you get it done today ? Should be out riding around by now. And it was fun not like work at all. Good beer at Barts House.

 

[Von Hayek]

Almost done. I had a sleeping pregnant wife, football at neighbor's, visiting parents, and a 34 degree morning keeping me from the track. Only thing left to do is attach the front drive shaft and fill with fluids. Might install a transmission cooler before filling the transmission.

 

[StaleAle]

... it was fun not like work at all.

It's always fun when it's not your junk that needs fixing.

 

[greytandy]

It's always fun when it's not your junk that needs fixing.

No truer statement has ever been said.

 

[Von Hayek]

Actually, I kind of enjoy it too. Never worked on a transfer case, and it was fun figuring out how it works.

Apparently, I didn't to the best job of learning the ins and outs of it because it won't engage in 4WD now. It's smooth as silk and so much quieter than before, but won't go into 4WD. Have figure out that vacuum thingy.