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Squeakys transfer case tech

06 H3

a.k.a. "The Jackal"
Messages
9,501
Location
Meridian, ID
So, if I understand correctly if it goes into 4hi lock it will be 50-50. It's not possible for it to be successfully engaged in 4hi lock and not be 50-50. My reasoning yesterday was that there's an additional mechanism to get it to split 50-50 that wasn't engaging so essentially 4hi lock and 4lo lock were really 40-60 due to a non working mechanism to put it in 50-50 mode. But seeing it locks 50-50 via planetary gears its not possible for that to happen and yesterday's bizarre mishap was something like a computer issue?

I know that sounds really confusing but if no one understands I can try to reexplain
 

bebe

Moderator
Messages
1,375
Location
Dayton, NV
So, if I understand correctly if it goes into 4hi lock it will be 50-50. It's not possible for it to be successfully engaged in 4hi lock and not be 50-50. My reasoning yesterday was that there's an additional mechanism to get it to split 50-50 that wasn't engaging so essentially 4hi lock and 4lo lock were really 40-60 due to a non working mechanism to put it in 50-50 mode. But seeing it locks 50-50 via planetary gears its not possible for that to happen and yesterday's bizarre mishap was something like a computer issue?

I know that sounds really confusing but if no one understands I can try to reexplain

Well, to be honest, because it didn't work in 4 hi lock yesterday without the drive line, you need to do one more test....for now we can assume it was the new transfer case module being confused, but until you know it's engaging the center diff for certain, it's still a guess.

That's what I said yesterday - but remember I said the only way to know for sure was to put the vehicle up in the air, all four tires off the ground (do not need to give it any gas) to make sure you actually have 4wd and that the planetaries are functioning.

THIS IS IMPORTANT: remember to apply the brake before putting it in any gear, and again before you put in in park.

What will this help you determine?

In 4hi Lock and 4 lo lock, a 50/50 split will show (by ratio of rotations in the tires) if the front and rear are rotating at equal speeds. Do this in both modes. Do not press the accelerator, it will turn the tires all by itself.

And to add - have someone grab the rear tires, the front should stop, then grab the front tire, the rear should stop.

If not it's broke.
 
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06 H3

a.k.a. "The Jackal"
Messages
9,501
Location
Meridian, ID
Alright I gotta go get my tall jack stands back then I lent them out...I will report back when I get them
 

06 H3

a.k.a. "The Jackal"
Messages
9,501
Location
Meridian, ID
got the jackstands back from my friend and got all 4 off the ground and all is well. Thanks again bebe and speedy are such a help. I put the parking brake on and in 4lo and 4 hi lock the front wouldnt spin which is a good thing. It means that the front and rear are locked. I also did it with the Parking brake off and they spun even except 4hi unlocked. Sooo...It seems like im golden for now. I am still a bit worried as I like to fully test anything on my truck first so I know its reliable enough to get me home. Guess moab will be a good test lol.

Other thing was this case is a bit noiser then the old one but supposedly the 4:1 is a noisy whiny case. I hear more noise in all speeds but its normal.

Gonna pull the front DS tomorrow and confirm this whole time the problem was a computer being a bit temperamental.
 

MaxPF

AGNTSA
Messages
1,394
Location
The dark side of the globe
This is from Randy's Ring and Pinion

http://www.ringpinion.com/Content/Parts/TransferCases/Identifying_BorgWarner_Transfer_Cases.pdf

Ignore that is says the Application for the 4484 is for an H2....:techwriters: :shakinghead:

Center differential: planetary Differential control: openTorque split front/rear: 40/60

ie they are a set of planetary gears that engage to create the torque split. So when it's engaged the torque split is 50/50, when it's open, it's 40/60. Go pull out the T-case blow out so you can find where they are located. It will give you an idea on how they work.

I think, this would also include some type of override/release mode, unlocking the center diff (think Traction Control/Stabilitrac) so the whole thing doesn't explode when you are twisted up.

I'll defer to Max on this one :p


The planetary gears create the low range ratio. Trque splitting in unlocked mode is done by a differential. This differential is just like the one in an axle, and can be open (spider gears), or it could be a Torsen-type. Since I have never had an H3 case apart, I can't tell you which it is. If it is an open diff, then you could lift a single tire and you would go nowhere - all the torque would go to the lifted tire. A Torsen diff would still transfer some torque to the non-rotating axle, while allowing differentiation to still occur, which is a must in a full-time 4WD system. When you put the transfer case in a "Lock" range, you are literally locking the internal diff, just like when you engage the locker in the front or rear axle. In this mode, the transfer case behaves just like any part-time case would when shifted into 4WD mode.
 

4speedfunk

Well-Known Member
Messages
4,250
Location
Tardville
Low-range whine is normal. Occasionally, I will get all the way up to 30mph in 4th gear. It screams like a dentist grinding on a cavity.
 

06 H3

a.k.a. "The Jackal"
Messages
9,501
Location
Meridian, ID
ok the final update before moab! So the good news is that I jacked it up on 4 wheels the other night and all was well. In 4 hi unlocked the front could be stopped when spinning. In 4 hi locked and 4 lo locked it couldnt be stopped. Thats great news as the 50/50 lock is working. To confirm this I took the front driveline and unbolted it from the yoke and let it hang. Put it in 4 hi locked and no spinning of the front output shaft like it would in 4 hi unlocked. This is great news! This was the problem from the beginning.

So I think its safe to say the computer was confused and after putting in the front driveline in for a few days and then unbolting it the computer figured itself out. Woohoo! Now I just hope it doesnt explode in moab.

Will keep you all posted.
 

06 H3

a.k.a. "The Jackal"
Messages
9,501
Location
Meridian, ID
I was shocked u had issues. Most t case issues are from non fluid change after 100k and its chain related, not an output shaft
 

jakesz28

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,056
Location
Cabool MO
I may be wrong, I read some where gm used nickel plated slip yokes and non coated slip yokes. So I may look into at a minimum replacing the slip yoke. But with 80,000 miles on a 2007 this should be considered low miles. It sits for a week or two at times. But the slip yoke has a fair amount of rust which can't do the seal or bushing any help. I could polish the slip yoke but with out be plated the rust will be back. Other than the occasional trailer pulling this has not had that rough of a life. But lack of transfer case oil changes does not help.
 
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