My F150 is doing fine; it's my Explorer with a problem.

2005 Ford Explorer
Auto 4x4
V6 (I think)
Last 8 digits of VIN: 5UA99395

During oil change a mechanic said there was a crack in my transfer case and had a slow leak. They don't do that type work so they told me just so I'd know.

What type service company should I take the Explorer to? A transmission shop, general service place....or what?

The main question I wanted an answer for is the one above. If you are interested in what 2 dealers recommended, continue reading. If not, thank you for your opinion on what type shop I should use. I will welcome any and all feedback. I'm not knowledgeable on these matter at all.

Two Ford dealers seemed to contradict each other. One said the part was unavailable in the Ford system and their parts manager said that if it were him he'd take it to a transmission shop. The 2nd dealer acted eager to get my business.

The 2nd Ford dealer said the "half case" couldn't be replaced in my particular Explorer. He said the entire transfer case would have to replaced. He also said that they would have to see some type of identification number--the name of which I've forgotten--on the transfer case before they would know which part would work.

The three parts were (1) Borg Warner 4411E, $2097 + $352 labor, (2) Borg Warner 4410V, $1929 + $352 labor, and (3) New Venture, $1787 + $352 labor.

I have no idea what to do.

Thank you.

Bill

 

get one from a junyard, then take it to a transmission shop and have them put it in.

or use mighty putty and fill the crack

 

Thanks!

Can I assume that it should be a transfer case that was installed by Ford when manufactured it? I ask this because the second dealer said that they would have to see some type ID number on my transfer case before they would know which Borg Warner or New Venture transfer case to install.

 

First, before doing any more with dealers and shops .... have you personally looked at the "crack"?

It is not at all unusual to have a simple "casting" line where the sand mold had a ledge in it appear to look like a crack in the finished casting when all it is is a ledge along which gathers some oily mist or residue mixture (from engine, roadway, etc).

I'ld check my level myself at intervals.

I'ld raise the vehicle and take a can of "2+2 Gum Cutter" spray (NAPA) and a wrag and meticulously clean the "crack" and look at it with strong light .... and magnifying glass maybe.

My bet is it's just a casting defect and of no consequence.

 

Thank you very much. I'll have my son take a look at the 'crack'.

 

If it is a crack, you could probably find someone to weld it up. Take it to an old-time mechanic.

 

You can get some UV additive to add to the oil and with a UV light, you can clearly identify if there is leakage. It may take a couple of hours to show up too, so you'd want to drive it, plus so it can flex and so the oil can heat up and it should show tell tale signs of leakage.

 

Thanks to everyone for all the advice!

I've since discovered evidence of a leak in my garage so yesterday I took it to a transmission shop with a great long-term reputation.

For me it's a jungle out there. The knowledge I've gained from reading this forum has already saved me money.

 

And after close inspection they told you as they showed you .... "what" ?