Is early transfer case replacement a sign of an overworked engine?
 

I'm about to look at this '02 Sierra with 141k miles for potential purchase and the guy is having to wait on its transfer case to be replaced before showing it. I've seen a lot of trucks advertised, but not too many mentioning T case work being done at this early mileage.

Does T case replacement at 141k miles indicate the truck's been overworked with pulling heavy trailer loads? What signs of overuse should I look for on this upcoming inspection, keeping this T case replacement in mind?

https://imgur.com/a/9HFDHQv

https://imgur.com/a/9HFDHQv

Re: Is early transfer case replacement a sign of an overworked engine?
 

A lot of those trucks have pump rub issues. I believe it is the transfer case oil pump rubbing on the magnesium case, causing issues and eventually transfer case failure. If I remember right high RPM in 4wd makes this issue worse. Is this truck AWD? I think those also had more issues?

I don't know that the transfer case would scare me away from the truck as long as it is priced accordingly. At the very least I don't know that the transfer case replacement makes me think that the engine has had a hard life.

Re: Is early transfer case replacement a sign of an overworked engine?
 

It's possible the oil pump rubbed through the tailhousing case half.
https://www.merchant-automotive.com/...transfer-case/

There are two possible repairs.
Merchant Automotive makes a replacement for half of the pump housing.
https://www.merchant-automotive.com/...mp-Upgrade-Kit
Attachment 2441747Attachment 2441748


Several outfits make a stamped steel plate to protect the alloy case half without disassembling the oil pump.
Attachment 2441745Attachment 2441746

You'll need a case half if it's perforated.

Re: Is early transfer case replacement a sign of an overworked engine?
 

Thanks for the responses guys. The ad says it's 4x4 so maybe that puts it into the higher failure category. Good to hear this is a common issue and not necessarily indicative of something more serious.