I have a 2000 4WD Lariat with 132,000 miles. I have lately been experiencing some concerns with what I thought was the transmission. But now, I am inclined to believe it might be the transfer case. Here is what I feel. The vehicle used to move on easy acceleration at about 700 to 800 rpms (an idle). Now it takes 1100 to 1200 to get it moving. If I turn the wheels all the way to the left or right, the vehicle will not move at an idle. It used to. If I let off the accelerator, I immediately start slowing down at a noticable clip. In the past, I could coast a long way before seeing a noticable decline in speed.

What can I do to determine if it is the transfer case with certainty? Is this a replace project, or a rebuild project? Is this a job for the Ford dealer, a transmission shop, or the competent neighborhood garage?

I am getting ready to go west for a hunting trip in April, and the last thing I need is a breakdown. Your input is greatly appreciated.

DaWG

 

That doesn't sound tcase related to me. If it is not engaged it will not make any diffenence from what you previously experienced. I would start looking for maybe a brake dragging a little, maybe a wheel bearing or something friction related. Have you checked and changed the tranny fluid recently? At 132K I would think that it may be starting to get tired. You might post this over on the transmission board and see if dirtyd0g has any thoughts there. Unless your tcase is not disengageing and the front end is turning it really shouldn't cause any extra drag though.

Hope that helps

 

WVtrucker thanks for responding. I have had the transmission fluid fully exchanged (T-tech) 3 times in the life of this truck, at 40,000 mile intervals.

In the past, I had an emergency brake hang up and caused this same sort of problem, but I had that repaired and new brakes just last year.

I'll check the bearings. I'll post to transmissions