Like we stated before, there is nothing wrong with a slip-yoke, it just does not have that one important advantage that a fixed yoke does. But for some of us, swapping a fixed-yoke kit is an unneeded expense. There is one weak point in a slip-yoke version transfer case that can be cheaply and quickly upgraded for better assurance that nothing will ever happen: the snap ring. On the output of some New Process transfer cases like the 231HD, 241D, and 241C, there is a snap ring that holds the mainshaft from moving back and forth in the case. Unfortunately, these little rings can break, allowing the mainshaft to wander and thusly damaging the entire transfer case. Gilly's Products has come up with this simple and inexpensive Transfer Case Saver that takes the place of the snap ring and can be installed in about 20 minutes.
Pictured are two Transfer...
Pictured are two Transfer Case Savers (one apart) next to the snap ring they replace on the mainshaft.
Installation of the Gilly's...
Installation of the Gilly's Transfer Case Saver takes less than a half hour, with the cost about equaling the minutes spent installing it. First remove the rear driveshaft, pull off the slip-yoke, then remove the four bolts of the end tailhousing, and slide it off the mainshaft.
Using snap-ring pliers, remove...
Using snap-ring pliers, remove the easily broken snap ring, if it's not already broken and in the bottom of your transfer case (you'll be able to tell if it's broken before pulling the case apart if you can excessively slide the mainshaft back and forth with your hand). The Transfer Case Saver, shown in red on the mainshaft for clarity, bolts together with two Allen bolts and is much easier to install than a new snap ring, while being many times stronger as well. Once the Transfer Case Saver's bolts are tightened (and installed with the included Loctite), replace the end tailhousing, push the slip-yoke back onto the mainshaft, and reinstall the driveshaft.
For more than a few of us, a disc-brake swap on the rear of our rig is the way to go. But lots of us get caught up in using cheaper disc-brake kits or front calipers applied in the rear to save a couple of bucks. Lots of times, this means no parking brake or alternative brake, a device that is almost vital when off road. Your options? Go buy a second disc-brake kit to replace the one you cheaped out on in the first place, or add another brake somewhere else in the drivetrain. High Angle Driveline has this driveline brake available for the Dana 300, Dana 20, NP205, NP241, and NP231HD (all with fixed yokes) transfer cases. The disc-brake kit attaches directly to the back of the transfer case and not only allows holding ability when in Park or on a hill, but also gives an alternative brake should something in the hydraulics of the primary brake system fail.
If you're interested in one of these kits, be sure you have enough clearance around the rear of your transfer case to allow clearance for the rotor and caliper. When we tried out our kit, we had an interference issue with a custom crossmember we had put in our vehicle, and therefore could not run the brake without modifying our crossmember.
Source
High Angle Driveline
530.877.2875
www.highangledriveline.com