2004 F-150 transfer case questions...

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Jon R. Pickens - 21 Nov 2006 16:59 GMT

Hi all. A coworker of mine drives a 2004 F-150 4x4. This weekend, he
was able to go in reverse but the whole drivetrain locked up when it
was put in drive--no forward motion at all. The dealer is claiming
that both the transmission and transfer case are shot, and saying it'll
cost around $8000 to fix. I can't believe that, because for under
$8000 I bought a rust-free 1986 Chevy Blazer, installed a new 350 crate
motor, rebuilt the tranny and rebuilt the rear axle...

I found him a rebuilt 4R75W tranny with warranty for under $900
shipped, and now I'm trying to figure out which transfer case he has.
As far as I'm able to tell from Google searches, it's a NV271. Is this
correct? Are there any other electronically-shifted transfer cases
that are similar enough to bolt in? He only activated the 4x4 when he
first got the truck to verify that it functioned. Other than that, he
has no use for it.

He's just a couple thousand miles past his warranty and they're trying
to stick him with this high bill. He's not mechanically inclined, so
I'm trying to help him keep his costs down.

Any info or advice would be *greatly* appreciated...

Thanks,

~jp

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Matt Macchiarolo - 26 Nov 2006 20:30 GMT

I seriously doubt his problem is both the trans and the transfer case. I am
guessing that he has a trans problem. Some more info in the symptom
department wouldn't hurt, however.

When you say "locked up" can the truck be rolled, or are the wheels locked
up? Fluid levels in trans and xfer OK? Fluid not burnt?

It's obvious the dealer is trying to fleece your friend. Don't believe a
word they say, and don't rely on their recommendation that both the trans
and xfer case need to be replaced. He should take it to a reputable
transmission shop, preferably one that works on 4x4's.

And next time, if he doesn't need 4x4, he shouldn't get one.

> Hi all. A coworker of mine drives a 2004 F-150 4x4. This weekend, he
> was able to go in reverse but the whole drivetrain locked up when it
[quoted text clipped - 21 lines]
>
> ~jp

Reply to this Message

Jon R. Pickens - 26 Nov 2006 22:22 GMT

> I seriously doubt his problem is both the trans and the transfer case. I am
> guessing that he has a trans problem. Some more info in the symptom
> department wouldn't hurt, however.

He says he can reverse, but the truck won't move forward at all...not
even roll from what he told me.

> When you say "locked up" can the truck be rolled, or are the wheels locked
> up? Fluid levels in trans and xfer OK? Fluid not burnt?

Not sure. My friend isn't a mechanic at all, and it was already at the
dealer when the problem was "diagnosed".

> It's obvious the dealer is trying to fleece your friend. Don't believe a
> word they say, and don't rely on their recommendation that both the trans
> and xfer case need to be replaced. He should take it to a reputable
> transmission shop, preferably one that works on 4x4's.
>
> And next time, if he doesn't need 4x4, he shouldn't get one.

Agreed all the way around... But in the event that the transfer case is
toast, which transfer case was used? Is it the NV273?

~jp

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My Name Is Nobody - 26 Nov 2006 22:46 GMT

<snip>

>> And next time, if he doesn't need 4x4, he shouldn't get one.
>
> Agreed all the way around... But in the event that the transfer case is
> toast, which transfer case was used? Is it the NV273?
>
> ~jp

The transfer case will have a very prominent data plate attached to it, one
must simply crawl underneath and wipe away the dirt and read it.

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Matt Macchiarolo - 26 Nov 2006 23:01 GMT

There should be a round stamp plate on the back side of the transfer case
that has the designation. Look at this pic, it isn't the same transfer case
but it was made by New Venture (NV, now back to New Process under Magna) and
the round plate with the red border is the ID plate.
http://7slotgrille.com/tech/sye2/buttonedup.jpg

I don't know if it's a 273, that would seem kinda big for an F150.
http://www.ee.nmt.edu/~offroad/tech/index.php/New_Venture_Gear_Transfercase_Nome
nclature

If he can reverse, I am doubting it's the transfer case. It still could be,
but if it's the case I would imagine it would affect forward and reverse.
Any strange scraping noises in reverse?

>> I seriously doubt his problem is both the trans and the transfer case. I
>> am
[quoted text clipped - 22 lines]
>
> ~jp

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